Germany, Imperial. An Artillery Officer’s Lion Head Sword

(Artillerie Säbel für Offiziere mit Löwenkopf). A well-preserved Heer (Army) Officer’s lion head sword, measuring 96 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 79 cm-long, nickel-plated, magnetic steel blade with a sharpened tip and gentle curvature. A wide fuller encompasses the majority of the length of each side. Acid-etched onto approximately two-thirds of both the obverse and reverse are images consisting of arabesque latticework interspersed with weaponry, standards, and knightly regalia. The blade sits securely within a multi-piece hilt, with two brass medallions covering the ricasso, the obverse of which bears a pair of crossed cannons, while the reverse features an unspoiled shield for the addition of an owner’s monogram. A brass backstrap extends from the crossguard and culminates in a lion head pommel, with a hand guard emanating from the lion’s mouth and linking up with the lower side of the crossguard. The handle grip consists of a ribbed wooden core lined with rayskin, with an original brass wire cord wrapped around the ribbing. Looped around the crossguard is a matching portpee, consisting of a stylized silver aluminum wire acorn suspended from a black leather strap decorated with multiple rows of wire tresse. The sword is accompanied by its original scabbard, constructed of a plated magnetic metal shaft. Two brass rings are set into the upper third of the shaft, both retaining loops for the accommodation of a hanger. The throat features a functional spring catch to firmly hold the sword in place during storage. Issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include minor running marks to the blade, tarnishing of the brass elements, loosening of the handle wire, and slight denting to the scabbard shaft. This high-quality example remains in a near extremely fine condition.