Description
W.K.& C, side-by-side Kings head and Knights helmet TM. An example of this pattern sword is illustrated in the Imperial WKC sales catalog as No. 3 “Preussischer Infanterie Ofiizier-Degen. Gilted brass hilt fittings show light surface wear to the plain, unadorned pommel, knuckle-bow and non-folding handguard with Imperial eagle and “WRII” cipher. Fittings retain much of the original factory fire gilting on the unadorned surfaces as well as in the recesses of handguard eagle. Pommel cap is jeweler engraved with the monogram “CF” in floral gothic script letters. Dark brown/black horn/bakelite grip shows light surface wear with no chips or cracks and is complete with gilt WRII cipher pinned to the obverse and tight twisted silver wire wrap. Hilt is complete with leather finger loop showing wear and age but no rips or tears. Straight, plated, double-fullered, double-etched blade measuring 34 1/8″ in length grades EX showing uniform gray speckling with a 2″ long dark spot of lifting near the reverse tip but no nicks or sharpening to the cutting edge. Both obverse and reverse feature 14 ½” long etched panels with light gray background frosting. Obverse etch features a floral motif flanking a central panel with the presentation, “K. Ehfert s/l. Kommeraden E. Franke 1892” (K. Ehfert to my dear friend E. Franke) in raised gothic letters. Reverse etch features a floral motif flanking two panels with raised facsimiles military equipment to include swords, lances and battle flags. Spine of blade features a laurel leaf motif running the length of the etched panels and is complete with a white suede leather blade buffer pad and with the reverse ricasso stamped with the 3-line TM Weyersberg, Kirschbaum & Co. Solingen. Dent-free, straight, steel scabbard is complete with two suspension bands/rings and retains virtually 100% of the period repainted black enamel over the original nickel finish. The repaint was in accordance with the 1908 regulations. Research in the Imperial Army Ranklist indicates several officers named “Franke”, however no first names or initials are listed. Nice presentation M-89 Degen that could possibly be researched in German archives. EX+
