Internet Sword Collectors Association

Mystery Sword 3

What is the origin of this sword? It has an insignia of a "winged wheel" on the hilt, as well as a image of a cap or helmet, possibly the helmet of the Greek god Mercury. There is also a crown above the cap or helmet.

The "winged wheel" symbol is used by the "transportation Corps" in a number of Armies. The general appearance is of a European Court or dress sword. The nation of origin would have to have an associated Monarchy due to the presence of the crown. It is not British. So this narrows it down ... Italy, Spain, Portugal, Denmark?

Incorrect ------ *** Mike Mac reports that in Guido Rossignoli's book on post 1945 army insignia, the winged wheel and the crown are shown as part of the Belgian army insignia. The winged wheel is the symbol of the Belgian Military railways. The crown is very similar to the Belgian crown. So ... the current best guess is Belgian Military Railway Officers Dress Sword.

Success! A correct Identification! Jean reports from Belgium ....

Your mystery sword No 2 is not Belgian. Mike's observation is clever, but the winged wheel symbol is common to the Railways of many other European countries. In the same way, a crown is not necessarily linked to a Monarchy, but also Empires like German, Russian, Austria-Hungary etc. . Actually this sword is a GERMAN IMPERIAL RAILWAY PROTECTION SERVICE DEGEN (small sword) source is Collecting the Edged Weapons of Imperial Germany, Volume 1, by Johnson & Wittmann , p. 251 (ISBN 0-9600906-0-6).

Variant Reported*** There is a variant seen that does NOT have the crown above the "winged wheel". Is this still attributable to Imperial germany?.

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