Back in Black - 12/08/2013 03:28 PM
Gentlemen,
Here's something that we don't get to see too often, an Imperial sawback dressed in black.
Before I begin, let me say this fine weapon comes from the collection of our fellow collector and friend, Gary Southgate. Gary found this handsome bayonet at this year's Max Show and it was recently sent to me by the dealer/owner. My thanks to G for letting us take a look at this unique edged weapon. We both thought it would be a worthwhile share with the bayonet collectors here on the forum.
This KS98 by WKC is a private purchase sidearm, no doubt belonging to an officer due to the royal monogram/cypher, that's hand engraved on the pommel area. The crown and cypher are ever-so-nicely detailed, expertly cut into the metal in a very delicate, refined manner. The soldier's initial's "CS," are very legible and expertly crafted, as you'll see in the close-up photos. The WKC king and knight logo is perfectly stamped into the obverse ricasso, which is the proper placement for Weyersberg, Kirschbaum & Cie products. The plated sawback blade is then etched with with a panel that contains a bit of poetic verse that's borrowed from a popular German war song, "Der Sturm brach ein in deutsches Land," or, "The Storm Broke Into the German Land." The song is also known as the "Sturmlied 1914." The two etched lines read,
"Last rings die Welt voll Teufel sein,
Deutsch Eisen holt den Sieg herein ~"
This roughly translates to,
"Trouble all around the world full of devils that exist,
German iron retrieves victory within ~"
This is the first time I've ever seen this particular sentiment on a German blade, most apropos for this time of national conflict.
The entire piece is made of iron and steel, everything is magnetic from top-to-bottom, excepting the grip-plates. The scabbard is in fantastic condition as well as the large black leather frog and army sword knot which seems to be in it's initial tie. All the heavy black fittings are nearly pristine, to include the locking button which still functions like the day it was made.
It's truly a pleasure and a privelage having the opportunity to examine such an outstanding sidearm firsthand. To me, this is what collecting's all about, never give up the search for something out of the ordinary!
Wishing all of you the best for the upcoming holiday season and a bright, happy collecting year in 2014.
Best regards!
Bill Warda
Here's something that we don't get to see too often, an Imperial sawback dressed in black.
Before I begin, let me say this fine weapon comes from the collection of our fellow collector and friend, Gary Southgate. Gary found this handsome bayonet at this year's Max Show and it was recently sent to me by the dealer/owner. My thanks to G for letting us take a look at this unique edged weapon. We both thought it would be a worthwhile share with the bayonet collectors here on the forum.
This KS98 by WKC is a private purchase sidearm, no doubt belonging to an officer due to the royal monogram/cypher, that's hand engraved on the pommel area. The crown and cypher are ever-so-nicely detailed, expertly cut into the metal in a very delicate, refined manner. The soldier's initial's "CS," are very legible and expertly crafted, as you'll see in the close-up photos. The WKC king and knight logo is perfectly stamped into the obverse ricasso, which is the proper placement for Weyersberg, Kirschbaum & Cie products. The plated sawback blade is then etched with with a panel that contains a bit of poetic verse that's borrowed from a popular German war song, "Der Sturm brach ein in deutsches Land," or, "The Storm Broke Into the German Land." The song is also known as the "Sturmlied 1914." The two etched lines read,
"Last rings die Welt voll Teufel sein,
Deutsch Eisen holt den Sieg herein ~"
This roughly translates to,
"Trouble all around the world full of devils that exist,
German iron retrieves victory within ~"
This is the first time I've ever seen this particular sentiment on a German blade, most apropos for this time of national conflict.
The entire piece is made of iron and steel, everything is magnetic from top-to-bottom, excepting the grip-plates. The scabbard is in fantastic condition as well as the large black leather frog and army sword knot which seems to be in it's initial tie. All the heavy black fittings are nearly pristine, to include the locking button which still functions like the day it was made.
It's truly a pleasure and a privelage having the opportunity to examine such an outstanding sidearm firsthand. To me, this is what collecting's all about, never give up the search for something out of the ordinary!
Wishing all of you the best for the upcoming holiday season and a bright, happy collecting year in 2014.
Best regards!
Bill Warda
