Presentation Imperial Lion Head Sword w/Damascus Blade. No maker. Unique sword was presented by Leutnant von Gaffron und Oberstradem to Leutnant von Plänckner while both Officers were assigned to Grenadier-Regiment König Wilhelm I. (2.Westpreussisches) Nr. 7. Sword was probably presented in 1891, as both Officers appear as members of this Regiment in the 1891 ranklist, while in the 1892 ranklist, Leutnant von Plänckner appears as a member of the I. Thüringisches Infanterie-Regiment Nr. 31. Deluxe gilted brass hilt fittings show light surface wear with gilting remaining in the recesses of the lion head pommel with red glass eyes, backstrap and knuckle-bow, as well as the ornate obverse langet and lion head quillion. Obverse langet features a heavily-chiseled profile of Athena, the Roman Goddess of War. Top of the lion head pommel has been hand-fitted to accept an M89 pattern pommel cap which features the deeply-engraved von Plänckner coat of arms. Sharkskin- covered grip shows surface wear with some small areas of missing leather, but is complete with original, double-twisted silver wire wrap. Attached to the obverse grip is the Royal cypher of Wilhelm I surmounted by a Prussian crown. Modified “peacock” Damascus quillback blade measuring 32 ¾” in length grades Near MINT/MINT, with no wear or age to the Damascus steel. Obverse blade features a 7 ½” long blued panel surrounded by a gilt border and floral motif with the presentation inscription, “von Gaffron und Oberstradem s/l. von Plänckner” in shadowed gilt, Gothic letters. Reverse blade features a 7 ½” blued panel with gilt borders and floral motif, with the Latin inscription, “Si Perdis Honorem, Omnia Perdidis” (If you lose honor, you have lost all things) in shadowed gilt, Gothic letters. Spine of the blade is marked in gilt letters on a blued panel, “Ed Schultze, Hoflieferant, Pottsdam”, and is complete with original blade buffer pad. Dent-free, curved scabbard shows much wear to the original black enamel, which was applied over the original nickel finish as per the 1908 regulations. There is also evidence that the lower suspension band and ring were removed as per later regulations. This is a beautiful presentation sword with a near flawless Damascus presentation blade that could be further researched. Exc+ $3,695.00 (19624) SOLD