Colonial officer's sword, model 1889 variant, German (1907-14)

Title	Colonial officer's sword, model 1889 variant
Nationality	German
Period	1907-14

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This is the second model of this sword, the first having an imperial crown on the pommel. There are KS cancellation marks for German SW Africa, replaced by 'P.T.' for Polizeitruppe Togo, the smallest of the German colonial possessions in Africa, with a garrison of three officers, about six Polizeimeisters and 560 black soldiers.

Quite definitely, this sword belonged to a Polizeimeister (European sergeant of this police detachment), who had transferred to Togo from German South-West Africa, in all probability in the spring of 1908 when three sergeants were transferred from German SW Africa (recorded by Rolf Selzer in his 2009 article on sidearms from Togo and Kamerun Colonial Police).

The blade is marked 'Weyersberg Kirschbaum & Co, Solingen' on one side and on the other, 'Waarenhaus fur Armee und Marine, Berlin', the retailer of the weapon. There is an issue stamp on the base of the scabbard under the paintwork and, of course, there are the unit issue stamps on the stool of the guard.

The black scabbard has some original paintwork up near the throat, but I suspect that most of it has been replaced over the years. The grip covering is unusual, insomuch as it appears to be card wrapped on wood bound with silver wire, the card being painted in a pattern to imitate grey sharkskin. One strand of the wiring is a little loose at the top, but it is otherwise complete. The blade retains 70% of its EPNS finish, ie there are patches of wear in places where the plain steel shows through, especially at the point.

In 40 years of dealing, this is the first second pattern sword I have had through my hands and the Togo Police marks make it essentially a unique item.

If you want to comment on this item—re quality, age, etc—please email me.

[Edged Weapons : Swords : German : 20th Century]

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