A WW1, Imperial German Prussian Officer's Sword, 1889 Pattern, with Kaiser Willhelm PIerced Crest to the Grip and Prussian Eagle Folding Guard. Commanded By Crown Prince Wilhelm of Prussia

Double fullered straight blade, and all steel combat scabbard. Original black grip with triple wire binding Overall in very good condition with slight paint losses to the scabbard and plate wear on the blade, but this is to be expected and was was used in most uncomfortable circumstances in the trenches of WW1.

The Infantry Officer Degen 89 has a fixed, decorative, semi-basket guard, whereas private purchase version often had folding guards. The guard contains a Prussian Eagle and this, or the royal cypher of Kaiser Willhelm II, was usually applied to the grip


Despite the blackening of the scabbard and the optional inclusion of a 'Fingerschlauf', a leather loop for inserting the fingers when holding the sword in a thrusting position, suggest the sword could have been used on active service

Many of these swords were also used in the 3rd Reich by veteran officers serving in WW2. Numerous Vintage photographs of WW2 German Officers show them wearing this pattern of sword.

Prussians were the dominant force in the new state of Germany, but it was their King, Kaiser Wilhelm II, an impetuous, impatient man, who effectively globalised the First World War (by joining the Austrian declaration of war on Serbia after the assassination of Franz Ferdinand) because he thought the English and French were seeking his annihilation. That was the beginning of the end for Prussia; the Kaiser abdicated at the end of the war, and the Prussian state was abolished by the Nazis.

So while there’s no place called Prussia any more, the word ‘Prussian’ is still out there in general useage, but has become more generic, used to describe someone good at giving and obeying orders, being punctual, proper, disciplined, punctual, and honest. As well as rather blinkered, inflexible and unimaginative.

Code: 24870