Militaria, Vintage Clothing, Collectibles
Lot 163:
Description
A historically significant Imperial Prussian Artillery sword produced by WKC, Solingen, circa 1905. The piece features a brass hilt with plain design, sharkskin grip wrapped in triple brass wire with the center wire twisted, and engraved backstrap AR 48. Additional engravings include Reitendes-Regiment 1 on the guard, AR 2 and AR 12 on the reverse langet, and the owner’s initials DR (Dr. jur. Detlev Rudelsdorff) on the obverse langet. Of particular note is a mounted plaque on the grip, inscribed: Ehrenwache 25.6.9.1939 f’r den 22.9 gefallen Generaloberst Frhr. v. Fritsch (Honor Guard on 25-26 September 1939 for Generaloberst Freiherr von Fritsch, who fell on 22 September). This indicates Rudelsdorff carried the sword while serving as an Honor Guard at the funeral of Generaloberst von Fritsch, a fellow officer with whom he shared regimental service and close camaraderie. The 27.5 inch nickel-plated blade remains in good condition, bearing the WKC king-and-knight logo at the ricasso. The scabbard retains its original painted finish, showing expected age and use, with remnants of a 3rd Reich Army portepee attached to the hanging ring, further evidence of wear during Rudelsdorff’s later service. Research confirms Rudelsdorff served in all four regiments engraved on the hilt and was indeed a comrade of von Fritsch. He rose to the rank of Oberstleutnant during the 3rd Reich, was a recipient of the German Gold Cross, and ultimately achieved the rank of Generalmajor in April 1945. This sword stands as both a fine Imperial artillery officer’s weapon and a rare, personalized artifact directly tied to the funeral of one of the most prominent German generals of the era. A museum-grade offering, accompanied by research and expert attribution by author and Third Reich edged weopons expert, Thomas Whittman.
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