Imperial Sword from an ad call...Any input?

[Skip Pickett]

Greetings guys, Just picked this sword up from an ad call...any ideas of what it is and it's ball park value??? Thanks! Skip

[Rick Research]

What sort of markings--if any, are there? Is it a plain blade or is there any presentation inscription? Two rings on the scabbard indicates pre-1906, originally nickled, then blackened circa 1910-- the lower ring obscured by the two knots should be cut off to be correct with an updated nickled scabbard that was blackened.

It is the IOD89-- Infanterie Offiziers Degen M1889, worn by Portepee-NCOs and officers in Infantry units. The most common Imperial German sword unless there is something distinctive about it. Looks like there may be a good deal of the original firegilt left-- do NOT clean it!

[Skip Pickett]

WK&C, sorry for the oversight.

The maker is WK&C with the 2 heads logo. The plain double futed blade is nice. There is the Roman Numeral "VII" on the finger guard. Thanks for the info...any idea on the value? ...Skip

[Newlyn]

Cleaning

Rick, recently someone recommended a gentle wipe with ammonia would clean gilding effectively, anyone confirm this ? Nice sword by the way, they may be common, but I always check the monogram on the hilt, the Grenadier Regiments often had the monogram of honorary Colonels - in - chief, previous Kaisers etc.

[Rick Research]

I'm not sure, swords are beyond my personal knowledge. All I have had drummed into me from sword collecting friends is the WRONG thing will strip the matte gold firegilding right off, and no matter how worn, you want to keep whatever remains there.