WW1 1915 Imperial Prussian M1873 Artillery Sabre Sword with Steel Scabbard by WKC Solingen
Here on offer is an original Imperial German M1873 (Prussian) Artillery Officer’s sabre sword, manufactured by Weyersberg Kirschbaum & Cie (WKC) in Solingen and is dated 1915, complete with its steel scabbard.
It still surprises me that despite the use of machine guns, artillery etc, swords were still issued to NCO’s and officers during WW1 and this is an example of one of those swords.
In fact, I believe that all Imperial German Mannschaften (Other Ranks) of the Feldartillerie (Field Artillery) and Fußartillerie (Foot Artillery) carried a sabre, such as the Prussian version of the M1873. This heavy sabre was carried in a scabbard hanging from the saddle when mounted, or slung from a waist-mounted sword belt when dismounted.
This sabre features a wide and curved, single-edged steel blade, with a long deep fuller and a spear point. These blades were intended to be used as weapons and designed for combat.
The polished steel blade is in great condition, with some areas of patina and age staining. Please see my photos.
On one side of the ricasso it is stamped with the maker’s name, which is covered by the cross guard chape, making it hard to photograph.
It reads as:
WEYERSBERG
KIRSCHBAUM & CIE
SOLINGEN
Commonly known as WKC.
WKC is a famous manufacturer of military swords and cutlery in Solingen, Germany - a city famous since the Middle Ages for its metal-working and craftsmanship in sword making. The traditional manufacturing of swords at WKC dates back to the year 1774 when the Weyersberg first registered the ''Kings head'' as their trademark. Later in 1883 the company merged with the Kirschbaums and the company WKC was formed as it exists today.
It is stamped on the upper flat spine near the hilt with a “Crowned W” for Kaiser Wilhelm II, over the number 15, that indicates it was made in 1915. Below this is an acceptance/proof mark. These marks are also stamped on the other edge of the spine, underneath the crossguard and the ferrell of the grip.
The steel hilt has a “P” shaped hand guard, a backstrap with a rounded dove’s head pommel, and a dark Bakelite grooved grip. The hilt is undamaged but shows an age darkening patina and some light pitting to the finish.
The steel scabbard is in great condition, no dents or splits, just some surface pitting and darkening to the finish. It is fitted with a large fixed suspension ring and belt loop for wearing in a frog. There are no inspection or unit marks o that I can see on it. After 1910 I believe all the steel scabbards were supposed to be painted or treated to give a black finish. This example clearly missed that process and retains a plain steel finish, that also shows age darkening and light pitting. It retains both of its throat screws.
This is actually a fine original example of this very heavy and impressive sabre, that are not that easy to find for sale these days.
The blade measures 30.5” (77.5cm) long and the whole sword (blade in scabbard) measures 36.25” (92cm).
It weighs a very heavy 1.8Kg.
Please see my pictures for the details of the condition, which complement this description.
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Code: 52242