Germany, Imperial. An M89 Infantry Officer’s Sword, by Weyersberg & Co.

(Infanterie Offiziersdegen M89). A well-preserved M89 Infantry Officer’s sword, measuring 95.5 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 dual fullers running the majority of the length of each side. The reverse ricasso bears a maker’s mark of “WEYERSBERG & CO., SOLINGEN”. It sits securely within a multi-piece hilt consisting of a bronze crossguard, hand guard, and pommel. Emanating from the crossguard is clamshell-style medallion on a swivel hinge, featuring a German national eagle clutching a sword and sceptre, overlaid by the monogram of Kaiser Wilhelm II. The handle grip is composed of a single piece of ribbed rayskin, with the ribbing retaining an original twisted and rolled bronze wire cord. Inset into the obverse of the handle is a bronze monogram of Kaiser Wilhelm II. The sword is accompanied by its original scabbard, constructed of a black painted magnetic metal shaft. The upper quarter of the shaft retains a loop for the accommodation of a hanger. A functional spring catch located in the throat firmly holds the sword in place during storage. Issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include some running marks to the blade, minor tarnishing of the bronze features, some loosening of the hinge of the clamshell medallion, loosening of the handle wire, and moderate loss of paint to the scabbard resulting in surface oxidation. An untouched and complete example, the sword remains in a better than very fine condition.