Preussischer Löwenkopf Kavallerei (Uhlan) Offizier Sabel Model 1879

[aussiesoldier]

The Preussischer Löwenkopf Kavallerei (Uhlan) Offizier Sabel Model 1879 featuring a gleaming lionhead sword with ruby eyes was a favourite among German cavalry and artillery officers and each officer could personalise his choice to suit his own wishes. This model of sword enabled a cavalry officer the freedom to be posted to a variety of units and not be forced to purchase a new, decorated sword or blade. Swords like this were privately purchased from many different sword makers during the early 20th century, all following similar design cues such as the lion’s head pommel. The slender blade is probably intended as a dress or presentation rather than fighting sword and the black scabbard is more suggestive of field than parade use. Officers would often also purchase a pipe backed combat blade for use in wartimes.

 

The pommel is a complete lionhead with ruby eyes, made of cast brass and single or double fire gilded. The hilt fittings are of a medium grade and produced to a standard size. The P-shaped stirrup hilt with shield-shaped langets, brass backstrap with lion head pommel cap, black pertha gutta grip bound with twin golden wire wraps.

 

 

Curved, single-fullered blade, in the same manner as the 1845 Wilkinson blade; this was not accidental as Solingen manufacturers were drawn to the strength of this design. The blade is polished nickel on both sides. The blade and sword were manufactured by WK & C (Weyersberg, Kirschbaum & Cie), a sword manufacturing company located in Solingen, Germany.

 

The hilt, guard and langets are also cast with many details including leaves, oak leaves with acorns, victor’s laurels surrounding a shield, with two sabres crossed on lancer poles outside (with visible sword knots) behind a shield, and a detailed lion’s head with mane. This is the classic Uhlan decoration.

 

 

The scabbard has some rubbing to the lacquer and one or two chips. This would have been applied to comply with changing Army regulations around 1910.

 

Many private purchase swords are only intended for dress purposes, despite an official instruction that they should be combat ready. Private purchase officer’s swords are never swords are never unit marked as officers could be posted to different regiments as the need arose. Swords were to be replaced by firearms (pistols/revolvers).