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LOT 1391
Fine Silver Mounted Imperial German Parade Baton - Measuring
17 1/2 inches long, this baton is constructed from smooth polished
hardwood, with silver fittings and an elaborate silver head consisting
of an Imperial German crown resting on a cushion, set on a stand
emerging from a crenelated round fortress wall, in turn set atop
a globe with smooth underside and the upper hemisphere
decorated with repoussed scale patterns and sculpted and
pierced-through fleur-de-lis designs. A set of silver collars
on the shaft bear German silver/maker hallmarks for the
Wuerttembergische Metallwarenfabriken
(WMF) circa 1910-1918.
CONDITION: Some play has developed in the
head, with mild wear on the edges and light dings,
otherwise exceptionally fine overall.
Estimate: 3,000 - 5,000
LOT 1392
Historic Damascus Steel
German Military Officer’s
Sword, Inscribed as a Present
from Kaiser Wilhelm II, with
Scabbard - Measuring 41
inches overall, the blade is 34
inches, with a lozenge profile
for most of the length, narrow
double fuller in the upper
half and a rectangular cross
section ricasso, all rendered in
attractive “maiden hair” pattern
Damascus steel. Decorative
etched ribbons are present
on both sides of the blade,
“Eisenhauer” (“iron hewer”
associated with fine steel weapons) on the left side and “Damaststahl”
(“Damascus steel”) on the right, and the front edge of the ricasso is marked “M.
NEUMANN. BERLIN/HOFLIEFERANT”; Neumann was a purveyor of goods to the
Imperial Palace, and his mark is found on a number of presentation grade swords
from the 1890s and 1900s. The hilt is gilt brass with a folding counter-guard on
the left side, wire wrapped grip, and a silver sword knot. The fixed portion of the
counter-guard is engraved “27. Februar 1897”, and the folding portion is engraved
with the Imperial crest over “Geschenk Sr. Majestat Kaiser Wilhelm
II” (A gift from his majesty Kaiser Wilhelm II), and the pommel bears
a “signet seal” pattern reverse rendering . Includes a black leather
scabbard with gilt brass furniture. Per information supplied by the
consignor, February 27, 1897 corresponds to Kaiser Wilhelm’s wedding
anniversary, which was reportedly also used as the jubilee date for
the 100th anniversary of William the Great of Prussia (technically in March); such
events, in addition to being hotbeds of networking and political maneuvering
would often be a time for presentation of honors, promotions and gifts.
CONDITION: Very fine, with small patches of pitting on the polished blade, wear
along the edges of the sword knot, scuffing of the scabbard,
and mild handling marks overall.
Estimate: 10,000 - 20,000
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