Original German Weimar Period Triple Etched 14. Reiter-Regiment NCO Dove’s Head Sword by W.K.C. with Scabbard & Troddel Knot Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a nice example of the plain nickel Dove Head sword worn by Army NCO’s, made by the legendary Solingen-based firm of W.K.C. Waffenfabrik GmbH. It has a custom etched nickel plated blade, named to the 14. Reiter-Regiment, part of what was then Reichswehr in 1930s Germany. This sword design is a simplified version of the Officer’s dove’s head sword, without the decorative designs and engraving usually seen on the hilt. It has the standard “P” guard used on German dress swords, with a simple cross guard and plain rain guards (chappes). The hilt is nickel plated steel from what we can tell, and retains most of the nickel plating, with a lovely patina of age.

The grip is a very nice black celluloid over a wood base, typical for swords produced during the 1930s and later WWII period. It is wrapped with three strands of twisted brass wire, with the central strand being much thicker than the outer two. There is some looseness in the wrappings, probably from the celluloid shrinking a bit. The original leather blade buffer is still present, showing light wear from age. Tied around the grip is a lovely tri-color NCO troddel knot, which is in very good condition.

The 34” blade of this example is in very good condition, and still retains the original nickel plating well, with crisp etched designs. It has however had the edge sharpened, which was not common for these, as they were ceremonial swords, and not really intended for cutting. There is some scattered oxidation and a bit of runner wear, but aside from the sharpened edge the plating is very well retained.

The etched designs on the blade are very nice, showing a lovely “horse head” on one side, with crossed sabers and a rider on horseback on the other. These surround some lovely “niter blue” or “fire blued” panels, one of which gives the regimental designation in Black Letter Type:

14. Reiter-Regiment

The 14th Rider Regiment was a formation of the Weimar Germany period Reichswehr army, and was part of the 3. Kavallerie-Division, located in Kassel and later Weimar. These formations existed from 1919 to approximately 1934/35. In 1936 after the NSDAP takeover, the unit was converted to the 14. Kavallerie-Regiment as part of re-armament, and later was broken up into various Aufklärungs-Abteilung (reconnaissance team) units circa 1939. However many NCOs and soldiers would continue to wear and order items named to their original regiment, so this could have been made at any type during the 1930s into WWII. The panel on the other side of the blade shows lines of cavalry riders being led on a charge, and is really quite lovely.

The reverse ricasso is stamped with the trademark “Knight’s Helmet” (Ritter-helm) over W K C logo of legendary maker W.K.C. Waffenfabrik GmbH of Solingen. This company is a famous manufacturer of military swords and cutlery in Solingen, Germany – a city famous since the middle ages for its metal-working and craftsmanship in sword making. The traditional manufacturing of swords at WKC dates back to the year 1774 when the Weyersberg first registered the ”Kings head” as their trademark. Later in 1883 the company merged with the Kirschbaums and the company Weyersberg Kirschbaum & Cie was formed, which continued into the Weimar Period. It then rebranded circa 1930 as W.K.C. Waffenfabrik GmbH, and produced many edged weapons during the NSDAP Period. The company is still in operation today. For more information please see J. Anthony Carter’s work GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS. Unfortunately the chappe/rainguard completely covers this area, so photographing the logo is impossible.

The scabbard of this example is blued steel, and is still in very good condition, retaining the original finish well. There is some denting on the scabbard body, including one large dent, and there is a bit of a bend to the scabbard, which has made the blade a bit difficult to sheathe all the way. It still has the hanger ring at the top, as well as the flat loop on the back for “hitching up” the sword.

Overall a very good condition high quality WWII Era Triple Etched NCO sword, named to a Weimar Period German Regiment and made by a legendary Solingen maker. Complete with scabbard and troddel knot, this sword is ready to research and display!

Dimensions:
Blade length: 34”
Overall length: 39 1/8”
Handguard: 5 1/4”L x 5 1/2”W
Scabbard length: 34 7/8”