Description
No Maker. Although unmarked, this hilt matches exactly the Eickhorn hilt pattern Nr. 94 as illustrated on page 55 of the 1908 Anniversary Edition of the “Masterbuch der Waffenfabrik Carl Eickhorn Solingen”. Heavy, gilted, cast brass hilt shows surface wear to highlights with potions of matte factory fire gilting remaining in recesses of lion head pommel without glass eyes, lion’s mane backstrap, knuckle-bow with grooved motif and non-folding handguard with Imperial Crown above fouled anchor within raised oval border. Reverse of down-turned quillon is stamped with Imperial Naval marking of a partially stamped anchor over “M”. Nicely age toned, genuine ivory grip shows minor surface wear with one tiny chip adjacent to the underside of the pommel, but no hairline cracks, and is complete with tight, triple, brass wire wrap. Plated, curved, double-etched blade measuring 30 ½” in length grades EX+ showing light surface wear, some minor gray pitting to the tip of blade and light sharpening to cutting edge, but no nicks. Both obverse and reverse blade feature 14 ½” long frosted panels with floral designs flanking a fouled anchor above a fully rigged sailing ship. Etched panels retain 100% of the gray background frosting with a few gray specks primarily along raised spine. Spine of blade features a raised floral motif running the length of the etched panels and is inscribed in raised letters with the name of the retailer, “Muhlenfeld & Co, Barmen”. Blade is complete with tan leather blade buffer pad. Black leather scabbard shows light surface wear with no creases, rips, tears or damage to the reverse stitching. Standard upper, center and lower brass fittings show light surface wear/age patina with a few faint “pecks” to the trailing edge of the lower fitting. Upper and lower fittings are complete with retaining staples, however the center fitting has never been tapped to accept a staple and is positioned on the scabbard directly below and touching the underside of the upper fitting. Sword is complete with an EX++ Imperial sword knot with black/red flecked bullion cord/slide/stem and acorn insert. Portepee shows minor age patina with no fraying or damage. Nice Imperial Navy combination. EX+/EX++
