Imperial German Reichsbahn Official’s Sword – Gilt Floral Hilt with Engraved Scabbard Fittings

This elegant and richly decorated edged weapon is a scarce example of a sword issued to officials of the Imperial German Reichsbahn (state railway service), dating from the pre-WWI to early 20th-century Imperial period. While often misidentified as a generic civilian or diplomatic presentation sword, this specific model—confirmed by multiple collectors and evidenced by design motifs—is an authorized dress sword for Reichsbahn personnel. These swords were used for formal functions and symbolized the elevated status of senior railway officials within the highly structured imperial bureaucracy.

Historical Background:
The Reichsbahn, or Imperial Railway Service, played a vital role in Germany’s industrial and military logistics. Uniformed officials of the Reichsbahn were considered part of a quasi-military structure and were issued formal swords that resembled officer’s weapons. These swords were typically manufactured by Solingen makers such as Weyersberg & Co., as seen here, and feature ornamental designs that set them apart from traditional military issue swords. Although no formal records indicate use in combat, such swords were indeed worn during inspections, parades, and official duties. As one collector humorously noted, they may have been “useful for punching tickets—or confronting those without them.”

Physical Description:
The sword features a gilded brass hilt with high-relief floral and foliate motifs on both guard panels. One panel contains stylized crossed branches beneath a finely scalloped border, a design often associated with imperial service but without a regiment-specific emblem. The opposite panel bears an ornate monogram, likely a stylized “HR” or similar cipher, potentially denoting “Haupt-Reichsbahn” (Main Railway) or a personal set of initials.

The grip is constructed of a wire-wrapped composite material and terminates in a deeply cast lion’s mane pommel (not a full lion’s head), a trait consistent with certain civil service and police models. The knuckle bow is a simple curved bar with elegant tapering. The overall fire-gilding remains intact, particularly vibrant across the guard surfaces and the pommel’s raised details.

Blade:
The straight blade is polished and double-edged at the tip. Though largely clean and reflective, it does show patches of darkening and surface oxidation, primarily near the blade tip and fuller. The blade is unetched and unmarked except for its finely milled fuller running nearly the length of the weapon.

Scabbard:
The black leather scabbard is fitted with two fire-gilded brass mounts—both upper and lower fittings are decorated with floral motifs in the same style as the hilt, indicating a matched set. The lower drag is slightly curved and bears signs of age-appropriate wear. A brass tag is affixed to the upper fitting, stamped “MERRITT-CHAPMAN & SCOTT CORP. 1090”—an American salvage and marine engineering company, possibly denoting a postwar import, sale, or inventory number from a collection.

Condition:
Very fine overall. The sword retains the majority of its original fire-gilded finish with only minor oxidation along exposed surfaces. The grip is complete and tight, with no unraveling of wire. The blade shows light use wear and age but remains structurally sound. The scabbard is undented and fits well to the blade. It shows surface cracking to the leather finish, consistent with age.

Provenance:
Identification of this model as a Reichsbahn official’s sword has been verified by a knowledgeable collector familiar with similar pieces.