Need your help with this Sword! I never had on of these and believe that this must be some kind of Naval Sword? What is it? Who had something like this? Was this issued by the Military? Any idea on value? Appreciate any help you can give me. Thank you very much. JME
What you have is a very nice Imperia German naval officers saber, late 1800s through 1918. They quit using the crown in the folding guard after WWI. Caan you post a photo of the trademark? Thanks! Joe S
WKC and one or two other companies put the trademark on the front of the blade near the hilt. Everyone else put the TM on the reverse of the blade near the hilt. Joe S
Hi Joe, I am unable to find any kind of trademark. Is it possible that some did not have a trademark? Do you believe that this was a private purchase? JME
A lot of very nice swords are found without trademarks. Theories vary as to why a company would make such a nice product and not put a TM on it. Most sabers were private purchase so that would not be a factor. One theory that makes sense to me is that a retailer might want to buy a quantity of swords at a discount, the maker might elect not to put its TM on them because it might tend to undercut the image of teh company if their goods could be had at discount prices. Another theory is that a manufacturer might need a bunch of blades in a hurry and might get them from a competitor , in which case they would not want them with the competitor's name . Documentary evidence has been found to prove that the various companies did sell or trade components with each other. Another plausible theory is that a small maker did not have the ability to make blades but they made the hilts and purchased the blades from one of the larger firsm. Most Solingen firms were small cottage industries and only the very largest were able to make most or all of the components in house. Joe S
Hi Joe, Thank you very much for your information. I have not toughed this sword but I am stunned in what great shape it is for its age. It could use a good cleaning which would make it look even more stunning. Do you have any idea on value for this kind of sword? Thank you again for your help which is very much appreciated. JME
I dont know that I am qualified to express an opinion on your sword,the filigree or cut out hilt design is rare, but I dont know what to say about value, and would be interested in knowing what others think. I am sure someone who knows more about the value than I do will help us out. Joe S
I reckon you need to be pitch it between usd 1-1,500. Beautiful sword, I love them and think they are worth more but they are not always the easiest sellers.
Posts: 642 | Location: EUROPE | Registered: 21 October 2000
Hi George, No, I will not clean it at all. I just leave this part to the next guy. I do clean some items every once in a while but not polish things. I think I am going to take the sword to Louisville just to see what it might bring. Thank you for your advice. JME
