Germany. Antique Cavalry Officer’s Sword. First World War. Circa 1910

Antique German cavalry officer’s sword dating to the period between approximately 1910 and 1918, a piece of slender silhouette and elegant proportions that clearly corresponds to the models used by officers of the German Empire in the years immediately before and during the First World War.

The hilt features a lion head pommel, a distinctive characteristic found on many German officer’s swords of good quality. From the lion’s mane rises the backstrap, descending in a gentle curve until it joins the guard. The sides display relief decoration of vegetal and ornamental taste, with well-defined work still visible. The grip is covered in dark ray skin, now showing wear consistent with use and age, and retains its original metallic wire binding arranged in several turns.

The mounting is of gilt metal and consists of a protective guard with one principal curved branch. The crossguard has a rear quillon turned back with a small curved terminal, as well as a large side loop of sinuous outline. On the front langet appears a trophy of arms with crossed swords and lances surrounded by a wreath of leaves, a motif very closely related to the military iconography of German cavalry from the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. The rear langet shows a plain cartouche framed by vegetal decoration. The gilt finish remains visible over much of the surface, with natural wear in areas of contact.

The blade is of steel, curved, narrow and light, with a broad fuller running through much of its length. It retains remains of acid-etched decoration on both sides, with scrolls and ornamental motifs now softened by use, but still visible in several sections. The point is sharp and well defined. The scabbard is metal, painted black, possibly period, sober and functional in character. The exterior shows use, patina and wear consistent with its age, while maintaining a correct aesthetic correspondence with the sword.

The overall condition is good within its age, with visible wear but without significant structural losses. It is a very representative piece of the German officer corps of the late imperial period, with classic lion head typology and an originally decorated blade. Its historical character makes it especially attractive for collectors of militaria.

Measurements: Total length 94.5 cm (37.20 in). Blade length 80.5 cm (31.69 in).