Germany, Imperial. A Prussian Artillery Officer’s Lion Head Sword

(Preußen Löwenkopfsäbel für Offiziere der Artillerie). A well-preserved Prussian Artillery Officer’s lion head sword, measuring 970 mm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 800 mm-long curved magnetic metal blade with a sharpened tip and unsharpened edges. Both the obverse and reverse of the blade bear etched floral designs interspersed with images of cannons and sabres. The blade sits securely within the bronze hilt, the seam covered by its original red wool buffer pad, with a crossguard featuring a medallion with a raised depiction of crossed cannons and a lion’s head quillon. This transitions into a pommel similarly presenting as a detailed lion’s head. The handle grip consists of a strip of black leather wrapped in a length of twisted and rolled copper wire. It is accompanied by its period original scabbard, constructed of curved magnetic metal and retaining most of its black paint. An integrated band near the throat secures in place a suspension loop for the accommodation of a sword hanger, while the throat itself is held together by dual side rivets. A distributer mark of “I” is stamped onto the throat, and the sword is otherwise unmarked. Issues consistent with age and use are evident, including oxidation and pitting of the blade, tarnishing of the bronze elements, and material fatigue of the leather handle. It is in an overall better than very fine condition.

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