Help me out guys, please.

I have this sword with no scabbard, The reverse ricasso has the TM. It is weak on both ends of the makers name so I get " TTO MER___" "Solingen". Please fill in the blanks if possible.

on the obverse ricasso is a crown then ERFURT.

The grip is composition. Please look at the photos and tell me if this is something brand new out of the East Block, or is this a WWI sword.
Thank you

Jim

Next

What I think are unit numbers

These markings on the top edge of the blade are difficult to make out. There looks to be a small something under a crown, then a 16 over an M over something.

So, what think people

Jim, looks like a Mod 1889 issue cavalry sword. Maker is Otto Merten. Hilt markings indicate 7th hussar regt.,3rd squadron,51st weapon. The "R" may stand for reserve or for Rheinisches as the full name of the regt. is " husaren-regiment 'Konig Wilhelm I (I Rheinisches) No 7. The outside of the hilt is more shiney than I would expect to see but inside looks ok. Still looks like a nice sword and authentic.

Thanks Barry.

The quality of these swords is probably attested by the fact someone can polish this sword to a high gloss and the nickle looks new.

Would anyone know where I can get a photo including the scabbard. I would like to know what it looks like.

Jim

Do you have access to a period catalog or reprint? Frogprince may have sword pic he can post.

Just buy a reprint of the WKC imperial catalog. It is always on e-bay. Buy books!

Hi Jim
Sorry but I'm afraid that I can't help you.
Pesho

Thanks guys.

Now I feal a litle dumb. I have the Eickhorn reprint of the imperial catalogue.

This sword resembles several of the calvary swords. One model for each of the different states (I take it that is what they were).

Thank you. It is the normal nickle plated scabbard of the day.

This is going on Ebay for a friend of mine.

Jim

As Barry stated it’s the Preußischer Kavalleriedegen M1889. Not a mainstream maker, a 1916 date is fairly late, and I would like to see some more closeups of the markings. That said, the sword seems to be OK, but the postwar plating (which is over pitting) is definitely not. And the pins holding the grip appear to have been lost somewhere in the process.

Unfortunately, I don’t have any pictures of the scabbard (which was blued) stored on my computer. But will include some when I do another photo shoot for future reference. FP

Thank you frog prince,

As I understand what you are saying. The 16 over the M is the production year.

The two holes in the bakelite grip should have something in them, and

You account for the high shine due to post production replating.

Thank you. I can see now that the inside of the knuckle guard is not just old, it is the replating that has not been buffed out.

Unbelievable eye there frog prince.

Thank you

Jim