Pre-WWI Saxon Ulan sword questions:

sabertasche · 16th May 2009, 01:17 AM

Hi Greg, you have a Model 1889 pattern Cavalry Degen. It is a generic pattern used by most of the Imperial German States with different guards attached to indicate what state the sword belonged to. Most have a straight blade but there are rarer sabre blades as well. You sword appears to be a dress/parade version, often bought by retired soldiers or troopers as a mementoe(sp!) of thier service or for parade use.

Imperial sword knots are a complex study as they were used to distinguish rank, regiment as well as state. According to "Swords of Germany 1900 - 1945" , by John Angolia, a sword such as yours would have a black leather knot with 2 silver wire strands, silver ball and stem with a green insert in the bottom. There are regimental patterns to the knots so I can't be sure if such a knot would be 100% correct (few collectors would know the difference). Saxony had a fairly large army so you might get lucky. Look to spend 150+ for a basic one though.

I hope this helps, nice sword.

Cheers,

Greg

16th May 2009, 01:17 AM	#2
sabertasche Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Vancouver, BC Posts: 149	Hi Greg, you have a Model 1889 pattern Cavalry Degen. It is a generic pattern used by most of the Imperial German States with different guards attached to indicate what state the sword belonged to. Most have a straight blade but there are rarer sabre blades as well. You sword appears to be a dress/parade version, often bought by retired soldiers or troopers as a mementoe(sp!) of thier service or for parade use. Imperial sword knots are a complex study as they were used to distinguish rank, regiment as well as state. According to "Swords of Germany 1900 - 1945" , by John Angolia, a sword such as yours would have a black leather knot with 2 silver wire strands, silver ball and stem with a green insert in the bottom. There are regimental patterns to the knots so I can't be sure if such a knot would be 100% correct (few collectors would know the difference). Saxony had a fairly large army so you might get lucky. Look to spend 150+ for a basic one though. I hope this helps, nice sword. Cheers, Greg