Imperial German Prussian Officer’s Sword – Weyersberg &Co. Solingen – Damaststahl “Eisenhower” Etched Blade

This is an Imperial German Prussian officer’s sword produced by Weyersberg & Co. of Solingen, one of the premier blade manufacturers of the era. The sword is an excellent example of late 19th to early 20th century German military craftsmanship, retaining its full-length etched blade and well-preserved hilt features.

Physical Characteristics:

• Blade: Exceptionally clean, full-length straight blade with single fuller. The blade bears two panels etched with the following inscriptions:

  • “Damast-Stahl” (Damascus steel)

  • “Eisenhower” (a rare and likely post-WWI personalization—see provenance note)

• Ricasso: Clearly stamped “Weyersberg & Co. Solingen” on the left side.

• Spine: Also stamped with “Weyersberg & Co. Solingen” on the top edge.

• Grip: Ray skin-covered wood with twisted wire wrap. The grip is mounted with a brass Prussian cypher (FR II for Friedrich Rex II).

• Guard: Features a deeply cast guard eagle (Kavallerie-style) with crowned cipher, clutching sword and scepter—denoting service to the Prussian monarchy.

• Pommel: Decorated with a finely detailed coat of arms showing three fleurs-de-lis in a shield design, possibly indicating a noble family origin.

• Scabbard: Black-painted metal scabbard with single ring suspension; paint retains ~90% coverage with only minor wear and no dents.

• Tip: Blade terminates in a clean, symmetrical point.

Condition:

• Blade is exceptionally bright with only minimal surface patina and clear etched script.

• The hilt retains strong gilding with only light oxidation in recesses.

• Grip wire is fully intact; no separation or unraveling.

• Scabbard shows minor abrasions, but no corrosion or major dents—very solid.

Historical & Collecting Notes:

The inclusion of “Damast-Stahl” on the blade often leads to confusion—most commercial swords of this era were not true pattern-welded Damascus, but the term was used as a marketing flourish to indicate high quality. The name “Eisenhower” etched on the blade is particularly intriguing. While clearly unrelated to Dwight D. Eisenhower, this could indicate either a personalization for a German officer with that surname (perhaps of Alsatian or mixed heritage) or a later post-war presentation or symbolic association. Either way, it adds collector appeal.

The Weyersberg family of firms (including Weyersberg, Kirschbaum & Co.) operated out of Solingen and were among the most prolific and respected swordsmiths for both private-purchase and military-contract weapons.

This sword would make an excellent display piece or addition to any collection focused on:

• Imperial German officer’s edged weapons

• Solingen sword manufacturing

• Unusual or named blades

• Prussian military history