An early (pre-WW1) Imperial German Infantry Officer Degen Court Sword by one of the most famous makers from Solingen, Germany, Alexander Coppel.  The base of the blade bears his symbol and suggests probable an early version of this blade, given that later Coppel blades had more symbolism in their manufacturer's marks.  Coppel commenced his work in the 1880's in the Jewish section of Solingen.  His work was of the highest quality and recognized worldwide.  Unfortunately, because of his Jewish ancestry and support of the Jewish Community of Solingen, the Coppel name disappeared in the Holocaust, but is honored to this day. During the early 1940's, the plant was expanded and became a main producer of Nazi daggers for the SA and SS.