This category features historical European military and civil swords,
including officer degens, honour swords, diplomatic and administrative swords,
student and corps models, and elegant civilian dress weapons from the 19th–20th century.
Historical Overview
From the 1700s to the early 20th century the degen became the
standard officer’s sidearm throughout Europe.
Later it served mainly as a dress and ceremonial weapon,
symbolising rank and status.
Common Types
Prussian officer swords with lion-head pommels
German Wehrmacht officer swords
Police and administrative swords
Civil & dress swords
Student corps swords
Diplomatic and honour swords
Characteristics
Blades: slim, straight, often with etching or motto
Hilts: brass, nickel or aluminium; guard with single or multiple bars
Pommels: lion-head, eagle-head, disk or classic forms
Grips: celluloid, wood, horn or imitation ivory with wire wrap
Scabbards: steel, black lacquer or leather with fittings
Collector Notes
Original finish on hilt and grip
Intact wire-wrap
Period-correct blade etching
Unshortened scabbards with original paint
Rare pieces such as honour swords or early imperial models