Swiss Model 1899 Officer’s Sword – Presentation Grade

 

German-Made by Alexander Coppel (A·C / Scales Trademark), Retailed by J.H. Dietbold & Cie. Zürich

Named to Lieut. Cranchod – 1ère Section, É.O.A. 1926

 

This is an exceptional Swiss Model 1899 Officer’s Sword, a highly ornate presentation-grade example produced in Germany by the renowned Solingen manufacturer Alexander Coppel and retailed through the prestigious Swiss outfitter J.H. Dietbold & Cie. Zürich. Swords of this quality were privately purchased and often gifted to officers upon commissioning or promotion—this one being formally presented in 1926.

 

Presentation-Grade Blade with Heavy Gilt & Frosted Panels

 

This sword features extra-deluxe etching, far superior to standard service examples. The blade displays:

• Bright gold-gilt presentation panels

• Frosted background floral and scroll etching

• A radiant Swiss cross surrounded by gilt sunburst motifs

• Deep acid-etched ornamentation extending far down the blade

 

This level of embellishment marks it as a gift or commemorative sword, not a standard purchase.

 

Named to a Swiss Officer – 1926

 

A beautifully executed gilt panel bears the inscription:

 

“Au Lieut. Cranchod

1ère section

E.O.A. 1926”

 

This indicates it was presented to Lieutenant Cranchod, associated with the École d’Officiers d’Artillerie (E.O.A.), a Swiss officer training institution. Swords named to individual officers—especially with dates and unit designations—carry both historical and collector value, offering a direct link to an identifiable officer.

 

Hilt, Guard & Scabbard

• The hilt features the distinctive Model 1899 pierced bowl guard with swirling foliate cutouts typical of Swiss officer swords.

• The grip retains its original wire wrap.

• Complete with its steel service scabbard.

• Includes the officer’s portepee, a desirable surviving accessory seldom found intact.

 

Maker: Alexander Coppel, Solingen

 

The blade bears the classic “A C” and scales trademark of Alexander Coppel, one of Solingen’s most respected late-19th and early-20th-century swordmakers. Coppel supplied edged weapons globally—Germany, Switzerland, South America, and numerous European militaries—known for their exceptional steel quality, crisp etching, and precision manufacture. Their blades were routinely chosen for deluxe presentation pieces due to Coppel’s ability to execute deep-relief etching and high-contrast gilt finishes.

 

Swiss Retailer: J.H. Dietbold & Cie., Zürich

 

Etched on the opposite ricasso is the mark of J.H. Dietbold & Cie. Zürich, a prominent Swiss military outfitter that supplied uniforms, swords, and accoutrements to officers throughout the early 20th century. Swiss officers purchased their own sidearms privately, and Dietbold worked closely with Solingen makers to provide high-quality blades tailored to Swiss patterns—such as this Model 1899 infantry officer’s sabre.

 

Overall Assessment

 

This is a top-tier Swiss officer’s sword, combining:

• A prestigious Solingen maker (Alex Coppel)

• A Swiss retailer of record (Dietbold, Zürich)

• A named officer with exact date and section

• Stunning Gold-gilt presentation etching

• Complete scabbard and portepee

 

A perfect example of early 20th-century European officer’s presentation craftsmanship, and significantly more desirable than standard un-named Swiss M1899 sabres.