Personalized Damascus Imperial Sword. Otto Mertens, Solingen (distributor mark). Sword features a Model 89 type brass pommel and handguard. Black celluloid grip has its twisted wire wrap intact and has one small crack near the top (hardly noticeable). Crossguard itself is quite plain and does not have any kind of basket or reverse folding flange. Lower portion of the pommel section features an oval with the raised royal crown and cypher. Beautiful maiden-hair Damascus blade has a raised inscription near the top of the blade, which reads "Erwin Preu S./L. Fritz von Staudt" (sword was given by Preu by von Staudt). Blade is in gorgeous condition, shows virtually no wear, and has its original leather buffer pad intact. Black painted scabbard is in beautiful condition with near 100% of its paint remaining. Exc++ (14244) $1,695.