Germany, Imperial. A Model 1889 Infantry Officer’s Sword

(Infanterie-Offizier-Schwert M1889). A well-preserved Model 1889 Infantry Officer’s sword, measuring 100 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 94 cm-long, nickel-plated, magnetic steel blade with a sharpened tip and with a wide fuller running approximately two-thirds of the length of each side. It sits securely within a multi-piece hilt, with the seam covered by a partially-intact red wool buffer pad. The hilt features a hand guard bearing a detailed Prussian imperial eagle overlaid by the monogram of Kaiser Wilhelm II, with a hand guard that connects to a plain pommel. The handle grip is composed of a wooden core wrapped in a boiled and ribbed black leather liner, with the ribbing retaining an original twisted and rolled bronze wire cord. Inset into the obverse of the handle grip is an additional gilded bronze monogram measuring 20 mm (w) x 26 mm (h). It is accompanied by its original scabbard, constructed of a black painted magnetic metal shaft. An integral band situated just below the throat retains a loop for the accommodation of a hanger. The throat has a functional catch to firmly hold the sword in place during storage. Issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include some running marks to the blade, wear of the handle grip, and sporadic loss of scabbard paint. It remains in an overall better than very fine condition.