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Joined: May 2004
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OP
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 5,666 Likes: 52 |
Gentlemen,
I am looking for some information on this Imperial sword:
The dedication reads: "Genthe S. / R. Mez 1905".
"Genthe" & "Mez" are both German family names, so could this be a marriage sword?
Thanks for any information you might have.
Best regards,
Herman
A2.jpg (116.73 KB, 193 downloads) A3.jpg (86.89 KB, 192 downloads) A1.jpg (117.46 KB, 192 downloads)
You never have enough HJ-knifes!
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It reads 'S/L' not S/R, and stands for seine Lieber (his friend), so this is a beautiful sword presented by one soldier to another brother-soldier in that year.
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Joined: Nov 2007
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That's a beauty Herman. Are you into swords now ?
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Joined: May 2004
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OP
Joined: May 2004
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Thx guys !
Hello Tristan,
But, in that case, is not it strange that the ranks of the concerned soldiers is not mentioned? Taken into account the quality of the piece, I believe it must have been worn by a high ranking officer, most likely from noble origine... As you know, by that time, aristocrats were well presented in the artillary units. Could it not have been presented by the "fiancée" (future wife )of the officer?
Hello Stingray,
No, I just buy a sword now and then... when I like it. What about you?
I'll add a couple of better pics.
Best regards,
Herman
B1.JPG (107.6 KB, 145 downloads) B2.JPG (119.01 KB, 145 downloads) B3.JPG (107.25 KB, 145 downloads) B4.JPG (119.83 KB, 145 downloads)
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Hi Herman...I do think the wedding scenario is unlikely, more likely to be Officer to Officer, and as they would be very close friends then also likely to be the same rank. I have never seen a rank specified on an 'S/L'dedication, only on an award-sword for some kind of achievement. Young Officers, say, of Leutnant rank could well come from wealthy families and be able to afford such gifts. Here is an example of an IOD89 with an 'S/L' dedication on one side and motto (To the Enemy Defiance To the Friend Protection)on the other and some nice gold wash half-way down the blade. Also of interest is the recipient's initials on the grip cap to be used as an ink stamp.
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Joined: May 2004
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OP
Joined: May 2004
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Thank you, Tristan, for educating me on this sword dedication. Much appreciated that you also show one of your own, a real beauty, by the way!
Mine has no motto on the reverse side: just some decorative etchings: see the extra pics!
More comments are always welcome.
Best regards,
Herman
C1.JPG (121.83 KB, 132 downloads) C2.JPG (120.92 KB, 131 downloads) C3.JPG (101.22 KB, 131 downloads) C4.JPG (104.76 KB, 131 downloads)
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Joined: Dec 2001
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A very nice sword with an exceptional blade. Also being inclined to agree with Tristan that it's a gift from one officer to another. Best Regards, Fred
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Joined: May 2004
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OP
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Thanks a lot, Fred!
Anyone has an idea who could have made this sword? Is the hilt a known pattern?
I cannot find any maker mark... Only the "Ges. Gesch." stamp.
Best regards,
Herman
You never have enough HJ-knifes!
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Joined: Jan 2006
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Hi Herman....A very similar sword is shown in Johnsons book on Imperial German Edged Weaponry (pp. 16-20). It has exactly the same filigreed knucklebow and the same shaped shield on the reverse langet. However this sword is for cavalry as the obverse langet has crossed swords, unlike your example of crossed cannons. The blade is Damascus although it is differently engraved. There is no maker mark on this sword either, unfortunately, but it is clearly from the same maker but with some parts adjusted for the particular buyer.
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Eickhorn
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OP
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Thank you Tristan, for looking that up! I will need to get that book on Imperial swords.
Why do you conclude it must be Eickhorn, Damast?
Best regards,
Herman
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