South African Army Officers Dress Sword

This South African Army Officers Sword (without scabbard) was designed after the Victorian Infantry Officer's sword. 

It is stamped with a Knights head which was used from 1900 along with the WKC Solingen Germany over the UM symbol (Unie Mag/Union Forces)

The serial number is #3044. On the other side is stamped STAINLESS over the South African coat of arms and its motto "EX UNITATE VIRES" meaning "union is strength" which

was adopted as the South African motto in 1910.

The WKC stands for Weyersbetrg Kirschbaum and Cie which was established in 1883 and produced swords for the German army and even now produces swords for over 50 militaries using traditional hand forging in their production process.

In 2011 the company won the contract to produce the Model 2011 Swords for West Point Cadets at the United States Miltary Academy. It also makes Japanese Katanas using the traditional hand-forging process.

Ownership of such a magnificent item is a must for serious collectors of South African militaria,