Dutch Mastersword M 1896 "Special order model" by GEBR.VAN LEER- UTRECHT. (JP86-139)

Nederlands M 1896 Model No. 1 "Buiten model" Meesterdegen. "Degenmeester op een der drie wapenen, zijnde geweer sabel en /of degen.”/Dutch M 1896 Model No.1 "Special Order" Mastersword.
Excellent long straight double edged bright polished deep etched blade. Very nice deep etching on both sides showing flower motives and military throfees. German makers trademark. Kings head and Knight helmet (= Weyersberg & Kirschbaum - Solingen) on the ricasso. Dutch retailers name and residence in a scroll on the left side of the blade: GEBR. van LEER - UTRECHT. .
Excellent gilt brass lion head pommel and a single hand guard. Gilt brass crossguard with a straight quillon with an acorn final. Gilt brass clam shell with a silver emblem laid over red felt, showing a shield with two crossed foils over a thick laurel wreath.. Excellent black horn grip with an intact silver wire winding.
Excellent black leather scabbard with clear tooling and a brass chape and top mount. Top mount with an round frog stud and one loose hanging ring. All stitches intact and no  dents to the mounts.
Comes with its Excellent early M 1852 NCO sword knot with its typical very small acorn shape with plated steel stem and crown. Acorn head made out of multiple rows of bullion wire. Orange core and a black cord.

The privately purchased Dutch M 1896 Master sword was carried by Officers, NCO's and troopers, who became a proofed Master in handing a foil, a sword or a rifle.  
This example is a "Special order"sword. More rich than a standard model. This particular sword was carried by a NCO who became master on the foil. It was made around 1900.

This elegant sword was very popular at the Dutch Royal Military Academy (KMA) in Breda till 1914 and also at NCO's of the Jaeger and Grenadier Guard Regiments.

Length: 98 cm. Width: 2,1 cm.