Prussian Officer’s Lionhead Sword with Etched Blade; Ruby Eyes

This is a striking example of an Imperial German officer’s lionhead saber (Löwenkopfsäbel) — a private-purchase edged weapon worn with full dress uniform, most often by Prussian line officers. The saber features deeply detailed brass hilt fittings, a triple-wire-wrapped ebony grip, and a piercing lionhead pommel set with red glass “ruby” eyes, all classic traits of the high-style officer's sidearm from the Kaiserzeit era. With its deeply etched blade, lavish oakleaf embellishments, and intact scabbard, this piece would make a powerful addition to any Imperial German edged weapon collection.

Origin & Type

This is a Prussian line officer’s dress saber, manufactured during the late Imperial period (circa 1890–1914). These sabers were privately purchased by officers and worn as a symbol of rank and status, particularly for walking-out dress and ceremonial duties.

Blade

• The blade is full-length, single-edged, slightly curved, with a wide fuller.

• It features beautiful floral etching on both sides, including a trophy of arms and crossed sword motif (indicating an officer of a combatant branch).

• Blade finish remains mostly bright with areas of age-related toning; etching is clearly visible.

• No manufacturer mark is immediately visible from photos — likely a Solingen maker such as WKC, Clemen & Jung, or Carl Eickhorn.

Hilt

• The brass guard is richly ornamented with raised oak leaf designs on both the backstrap and crossguard.

• A Prussian-style blank shield sits on the langet, allowing for personalized engraving (never applied).

• The opposing langet features crossed swords, indicating a combatant branch (infantry or cavalry).

• The pommel is a finely cast lion’s head, complete with red glass inset eyes, a signature of mid- to higher-grade examples.

• The grip is carved ebony or hardwood, fully wrapped in triple-twisted wire, all of which remains tight and intact.

Scabbard

• The original black-painted steel scabbard is included, fitted with a single suspension ring.

• Paint shows minor scuffs and wear consistent with age but no major denting or structural damage.

Condition

• Blade: Excellent+ etching with no active corrosion, bright finish.

• Hilt: Strong gilding to brass, no grip damage, tight wire wrap.

• Scabbard: Original finish, minimal wear, no major dents.

• No postwar replacement parts or signs of tampering.

Provenance & Collector Notes

• This pattern was carried by officers across many Prussian regiments, with variations in hilt detailing denoting personal taste or branch distinctions.

• The crossed swords motif and rich embellishment suggest use by an officer of an elite unit or a well-to-do family.

• A textbook example of the private-purchase dress saber carried during the high-water mark of Imperial pageantry.