Old German military sword

eftihis · 18th January 2007, 02:03 PM

Hi, i got something which is not in my field, does anybody knows age and any other details? The sword is inscribed "Hugo Baruch & Co, Berlin"
Thanks for your help!

sabertasche · 18th January 2007, 05:10 PM

Looks like a standard pre-1910 (2 rings on the scabbard) M-89 Cavalry Troopers Sword for Prussia. Yours would be the battle or government issue version (no fancy engraving on the blade). Condition is average. There might be regimental markings on it which might interest a collector looking for a specific regiment - currasiers, lancers or dragoons. It is a common sword.

Cheers,

Greg

Jim McDougall · 19th January 2007, 05:05 AM

I agree with Sabertasche, this appears to be a Prussian M1889 cavalry sword that would date c.1905-10. While these are not necessarily rare, they have become increasingly of interest to many sword collectors.

It is interesting that the firm Hugo Baruch & Co. Berlin, were recorded as primarily retailers c.1900-1935, and do not appear to have actually made weapons, but acquired them from makers in Solingen and Suhl (according to John Walter, "Sword and Bayonet Makers of Imperial Germany 1871-1918, p.003).The company apparantly ceased to exist during the years 1931-1937, exact year unknown, and it is suggested this resulted because of the firms Jewish ownership and of course the political climate there at that time.
Another interesting note mentions that this firm, during the Hohenzollern dynasty (ended 1918) was accorded the dignity of the title, "Hoflieferant" ("Purveyor to the Royal Household").
Though of course certainly not necessarily suggesting this sword was in any way connected to special units of the Royal Household, it does suggest the firm was a well established supplier held in high regard.

The interesting grip is described in "Collecting the Edged Weapons of Imperial Germany" ( Johnson & Wittman, 1988, p.153 ), as being of either black horn or celluloid, in this case probably celluloid. The use of the similar synthetic bakelite I believe came in about 1910.

I think these are very attractive swords, and certainly reflect in subdued degree, the traditional panache of the German cavalry regiments around the turn of the century.

Best regards,
Jim

eftihis · 20th January 2007, 08:55 AM

Thank you Greg and Jim!
Jim, fantastic description as always!

Jim McDougall · 21st January 2007, 12:13 AM

You're very welcome Eftihis !

and thank you for the kind note!
Best,
Jim

18th January 2007, 02:03 PM	#1
eftihis Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Chania Crete Greece Posts: 507	Old German military sword Hi, i got something which is not in my field, does anybody knows age and any other details? The sword is inscribed "Hugo Baruch & Co, Berlin" Thanks for your help! Attached Images

18th January 2007, 05:10 PM	#2
sabertasche Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Vancouver, BC Posts: 149	Looks like a standard pre-1910 (2 rings on the scabbard) M-89 Cavalry Troopers Sword for Prussia. Yours would be the battle or government issue version (no fancy engraving on the blade). Condition is average. There might be regimental markings on it which might interest a collector looking for a specific regiment - currasiers, lancers or dragoons. It is a common sword. Cheers, Greg

19th January 2007, 05:05 AM	#3
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 9,957	I agree with Sabertasche, this appears to be a Prussian M1889 cavalry sword that would date c.1905-10. While these are not necessarily rare, they have become increasingly of interest to many sword collectors. It is interesting that the firm Hugo Baruch & Co. Berlin, were recorded as primarily retailers c.1900-1935, and do not appear to have actually made weapons, but acquired them from makers in Solingen and Suhl (according to John Walter, "Sword and Bayonet Makers of Imperial Germany 1871-1918, p.003).The company apparantly ceased to exist during the years 1931-1937, exact year unknown, and it is suggested this resulted because of the firms Jewish ownership and of course the political climate there at that time. Another interesting note mentions that this firm, during the Hohenzollern dynasty (ended 1918) was accorded the dignity of the title, "Hoflieferant" ("Purveyor to the Royal Household"). Though of course certainly not necessarily suggesting this sword was in any way connected to special units of the Royal Household, it does suggest the firm was a well established supplier held in high regard. The interesting grip is described in "Collecting the Edged Weapons of Imperial Germany" ( Johnson & Wittman, 1988, p.153 ), as being of either black horn or celluloid, in this case probably celluloid. The use of the similar synthetic bakelite I believe came in about 1910. I think these are very attractive swords, and certainly reflect in subdued degree, the traditional panache of the German cavalry regiments around the turn of the century. Best regards, Jim

20th January 2007, 08:55 AM	#4
eftihis Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Chania Crete Greece Posts: 507	Thank you Greg and Jim! Jim, fantastic description as always!

21st January 2007, 12:13 AM	#5
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 9,957	You're very welcome Eftihis ! and thank you for the kind note! Best, Jim