Imperial German NCO sword

This model sword was also used after WWI, in both Weimar and Nazi Germany, but I believe mine dates prior to the Nazi era. It’s a smaller dress sword that was obviously modeled on the German 1848 saber I posted last week, which in turn was based on the Prussian Blücher Saber of the Napoleonic Wars.

I’ve seen a couple online sources that say this model sword entered service about 1890, but I’ve also seen some listed for sale that claim to be c.1880. Although I find it most often referred to as an NCO sword, I’ve also found references that some officers wore them. I’d love to hear from some of our Imperial German experts like Blue Max and learn a bit more about this sword.

Many of these swords have their maker’s marks hidden under the langets (those hangy down things on both sides of the guard that cover the sides of the base of the blade). When I hold the sword just right under a light I can make out a kings head and knight’s head over WK & C that was the mark used after Weyersburg (King’s Head logo) merged with Kirschbaum & Cie (Knights Head Logo) in 1883. I think that by WWII, WKC was just using a Knight’s head again and there are no RZM markings on this sword.

The single fullered 30 inch blade features etched military trophies and floral motif half way up the sword and more floral etching half way up the spine. The style of etching is consistent with what I’ve seen in imperial era blades. The hilt is constructed of nickel-plated steel, some of which has worn through. The grip is triple wire wrapped shagreen (Fish skin).