German Officer’s Sword – Damascus Blade, Gilded Hilt, Ivory Grip

This is a stunning Imperial German officer’s sword featuring a genuine Damascus steel blade and an elaborately gilded brass hilt. It is a high-quality private purchase piece, likely intended for a naval or court officer, manufactured in Solingen and marked "K & C" beneath a crowned “B” and helmeted head maker’s mark. The firm, though lesser known than WKC or Eickhorn, produced finely crafted presentation-grade edged weapons during the Kaiserzeit.

The sword’s grip is fashioned from genuine ivory and remains in very good condition with visible age-toning, natural grain, and no cracks or breaks. The twisted wire wrap is intact and tightly wound. Capping the grip is a fire-gilded brass lion-head pommel. Its eyes are adorned with mismatched cabochon gemstones—one red, the other green—adding a slightly eccentric but authentic flair. This is not a flaw, but a known detail sometimes found on custom commissions or personal replacements.

The half-basket hilt features a richly chased floral and foliate design along with an imperial anchor surrounded by oak leaves and a crowned military figure—possibly a stylized Kaiser Wilhelm II—within an oval cartouche. The fire-gilding across the guard retains a bright appearance with minor loss to high points from handling. The guard remains sturdy and without deformation.

The blade is the true highlight of this sword: a beautifully patterned “Damaststahl” (Damascus steel) blade showing prominent, swirling layers from the forge-welding of multiple types of steel. This pattern remains strong and clearly visible throughout the blade's length. Some minor surface wear and spotting are visible, most notably near the tip, but the integrity and appeal of the blade are entirely intact. A red felt washer is still present at the base of the blade.

The black leather scabbard features three ornate fire-gilded brass fittings with deeply engraved motifs and floral accents. The top and middle fittings each retain their original suspension rings. The leather body of the scabbard is overall very solid with minimal age-related surface wear and no splitting. The gilded fittings remain in good condition, though there is minor patina consistent with age and use.

Overall Condition:
Excellent for display with high collector value. The sword is complete and solid, retaining all key components: ivory grip, Damascus blade, matching scabbard. Minor age wear present (surface oxidation near tip, mild gilding loss, natural grip patina) but no structural issues. A remarkable example of a privately purchased officer’s weapon made to impress both on and off parade.

Measurements (approximate):

• Overall length in scabbard: 38 in / 96.5 cm

• Blade length: 32.25 in / 82 cm

• Blade width at ricasso: 2.3 cm