GERMAN HESSIAN OFFICER'S SWORD WITH ROYAL CYPHER, CA.1910

This Hessian officer's sword dates to the early 1900s, and prior to the end of WWI. Bejeweled lion-headed hilt retains the monogram of Ernst Ludwig, Grand Duke of Hesse, the last ruler of the Grand Dutchy of Hesse-Kassel. Hessian WWI period swords with the characteristic half-basket hilt appear on the market from time to time, but this is the first one I have encountered with the Royal Cypher on the guard. Weyersberg Kirschbaum und Companie-marked blade is 76 cm long, plain, nickel-plated and period sharpened for action. Leather finger loop is long gone, blade and hilt have some play between them. The quality of hand-chased pierced work on the hilt is quite outstanding.