Original German WWI Bavarian Infantry NCO Etched Dove’s Head Sword With Troddel and Scabbard by Clemen & Jung

Original Item: Only One Available. With the establishment of the German Empire, a series of conventions brought the bulk of the various state military forces directly under the administration of the Prussian War Ministry. Bavaria however maintained a degree of autonomy in peacetime, with its own two (later three) army corps remaining outside the Prussian order of battle. The Bavarian infantry and cavalry regiments retained their historic light blue and green uniforms, distinctive from the Prussian model adopted throughout most of the army. The individual Bavarian soldier swore an oath of loyalty to King Ludwig, though in wartime this pledge of obedience was extended to Kaiser Wilhelm as supreme commander. In July 1914, the Bavarian Army numbered 92,400 or 11 percent of the total Imperial Army.

This is a nice example of the plain nickel plated Dove Head sword worn by Bavarian Army NCO's, with a lovely "Double-Etched" bright steel blade. This sword design is a simplified version of the Officer's dove's head sword, without the decorative designs and engraving usually seen on the hilt. It has the standard "P" guard used on Imperial German dress swords, with a simple cross guard. The hilt is black painted steel from what we can tell, and retains most of the finish, with a lovely patina of age on the exposed metal.

The grip is a very nice example of black bakelite. It is wrapped with three strands of twisted brass wire, with the central strand being much thicker than the outer two. There is some looseness in the wrappings, probably from the bakelite shrinking a bit. The original felt blade buffer is not present. The curved single-edged 31 ⅞” blade with broad 3/4-length fuller, decorated on each side with the Bavarian motto “In Treue Fest” surrounded by decorative border and foliage. The blade is in near mint condition with deep etching and polish.

The reverse ricasso is stamped with the "Crowned Z Shield" trademark of Clemen & Jung Waffenfabrik (Weapons Factory) of Solingen, the legendary "City of Blades" in the mountains of Western Germany.

This company was founded in 1860, and rapidly gained numerous domestic and foreign contracts for edged weapons. They entered the Solingen Commercial Register in 1876, and in 1898 registered the "Crowned Shield" logo, which has the letter Z inside the shield. This previously had been another maker's trademark, but it was transferred to Clemen & Jung. The company supplied many edged weapons for the First World War, and continued during the interwar period, and into the Third Reich period. For more information please see GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS by J. Anthony Carter, pages 132-134.

The steel scabbard has a single hanging ring, as the second fitting was for a hook on the hanger. It has the standard black enamel finish, which has worn off in some areas, and the underlying steel has oxidized. The scabbard is still straight, though it does have a small dent on both sides near the drag, which does not interfere with placing the blade in the scabbard. The scabbard is missing the throat, and the pieces of wood which originally sat against the blade in the scabbard have come out, but they will stay in the scabbard for display. Some serious damage.

The included troddel knot is in fair condition with some fraying to the material.

Overall condition is very good. Ready to display!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 31¾”
Overall Length: 36¾”
Scabbard Length: 33½”