Sword Handle Materials

[Carl Christense]

I was at a recent militaria show and acquired an interest in imperial swords(I'm not buying until I thoroughly research the topic). Anyhow, I noticed that there were two types of material used on the handle's grip. Apparently one is called "shark skin" and the other is a black material.

What types of materials were used on the handles of German Imperial Swords?

Thanks.

Carl C

[SCHUPO]

Carl,

There were quite a few different materials used on Imperial German sword grips depending upon the type of sword. Beamte (Gov Officials) swords often had mother of pearl while Cavalry swords had grips of wood, bakelite, celluloid, or sharkskin. It depends entirely upon the type of sword and the specific maker. Not an easy answer I am afraid.

[klr]

Hello I have Angolia's sword book and it has a few chapters on Imperial swords. Any other good books on these? Kirby

[SCHUPO]

Kirby,

Angolia's book has an excellent chapter and Imperial WKC catalog reprint at the back of his second "Swords of Germany" book as you mention. This will give you the basics and show several different styles of grip. Johnson also has a book on Imperial swords and Bezdek has a book on "German Swords and Sword Makers" but this is mostly on the makers rather than the styles of swords.

[joerookery]

This might be of interest -- I am not a sword collector. However, in our first book there are nine pages of sword examples inside the Neuman catalog. in addition, there is a page of pricing for repairs and rebuilding the swords. there might be other catalogs around I don't know -- this one really taught us about how helmets were offered for sale in addition to other private purchase items. It is still in print and available.



http://www.authorhouse.com/Bookstore...x?bookid=38699