Original German WWI Bavarian M1889 Degen Dress Sword by Christian Bock with Scabbard & Troddel Knot Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a genuine vintage World War I German Degen (Epee) Dress Sword, from what was then the Kingdom of Bavaria. It is still in great shape, with great plating on the hilt, guard, and blade, and comes complete with its original black painted steel scabbard, as well as a leather and fabric “troddel” knot.

The swords basket guard and pommel cap are in great shape, and the guard itself has the the Bavarian lion holding a sword next to the Bavarian State Shield. The grip is black celluloid with a spiral groove running up it, and is in excellent condition, with no cracks or chips. There is a bit of wobble to the hilt mountings, probably from the grip shrinking. The pommel cap is split spanner bolt retained, so it can be tightened.

Wrapped around the guard is a leather and fabric “Troddel” knot, which would indicate the rank as well as sometimes the unit of the soldier. This looks to be an enlisted or “other ranks” troddel, with a red and white end knot, which often indicates the 6th Company of a regiment. It is in good condition, though the leather is old has has split a bit.

The 31 1/2 inch blade is a solid gem, with very good plating, and etched designs on both sides of the blade. These are identical, and consist of the Bavarian Shield over a Walküre (Valkyrie), with the Bavarian motto IN TREUE FEST. (steadfast in loyalty) in a shield below. The spine of the blade is maker marked CHRISTIAN BOCK, REGENSBURG.. We have not been able to find this name in the list of Knife and Sword makers, so most likely this was a retailer who finished the blades and fittings. The original white and red felt blade buffers are still present, and in good condition.

The scabbard is in very good condition, and is the standard straight steel type with a black enamel finish. It has a few light scratches and dents, with a few small bends in the body. These do not interfere with sheathing the blade.

A very nice example of German Empire period Dress Sword from Bavaria, ready to display!

Specifications:

Blade Length: 31 1/2″
Blade Style: Single Edge w/ Fuller
Overall length: 37“
Guard dimensions: 5″ width x 5” length
Scabbard length: 33”