Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice Imperial German Model 1889 Infantry Officer sword and scabbard, as used up until the end of WWI. The hilt is a gilded brass basket guard with 3 “fingers”. The sharkskin grip is still mostly intact, with some wear on the raised portions. This model of sword would often have a leather fore finger loop on the inside of the guard, this example still partially retains the leather, and it is in solid condition. Overall the hilt is just a bit loose on the tang and one of the fingers is broken on the basket.

The nickel plated straight blade is in good condition and has a double fuller on each side and is 31 inches from the spear point to the hilt. The nickel plate is retained very well, and interestingly the sword has had the edge sharpened, which we have seen before. In the German military of the time, particularly in Prussia, dueling was quite common, so this officer may have wanted to always be ready, even at dress events. Overall length of the sword is 37 inches. A leather blade buffer washer is fitted to the blade where it meets the guard.

The ricasso of the blade has been stamped by the company that retailed / supplied the sword:

F. DAMASCHKE
HOFLFT.
BERLIN

"Hoflft." is the abbreviation for Hoflieferant or "purveyor to the court Berlin", so this means that the company had an official contract to supply the Imperial German court with weapons and other accoutrements. 

The steel scabbard has a single hanging ring, as the second fitting was for a hook on the hanger. It has the standard nickel finish, which has oxidized slightly. The scabbard is straight with minor dents, and has a great aged look.

Overall condition is very good and quite attractive. Ready to display!

Dimensions:
Blade length: 31”
Blade Style: Single Edge with Double Fullers
Overall length: 37”
Handguard: 4 1/2”W x 5 1/2”L
Scabbard length: 31 1/2”