Germany, Weimar Republic. A Spandau Ordnance Department Commemorative Dress Sabre, by Weyersburg, Kirschbaum & Co.

(Säbel). A well-preserved commemorative sabre, measuring 965 mm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 710 mm-long curved and polished magnetic steel blade with a sharpened tip and with fullers running the length of each side. Acid-etched onto the obverse of the blade is an owner’s name of “OBERLEUTNANT MATTNER”, flanked on each side by detailed arabesque designs. The reverse bears an analogous acid-etched inscription of “ZEUGAMT SPANDAU 1. 10. 19 - 30. 4. 29”, indicating that Mattner was attached to the Spandau Ordnance Department from 1 October 1919 until 30 April 1929. The obverse ricasso is stamped with the maker’s mark of Weyersburg, Kirschbaum & Co., Solingen, topped by the firm’s classic knight’s helmet logo. The blade sits securely within a one-piece brass hilt which features a hand guard, with the seam covered by an intact black leather buffer pad. The handle grip is composed of a lacquered and ribbed black celluloid, with the ribbing retaining an original twisted and rolled bronze cord. It is accompanied by its matching scabbard, constructed of a black-painted magnetic metal shaft. The throat retains a functional spring catch, firmly holding the sabre in place during storage, and is held together with dual side rivets. An integral loop emanates from the shaft near the throat for the accommodation of an optional hanger. Minor issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include some loss of finish and oxidation to the bronze and metal features, but the sabre remains in an overall near extremely fine condition.