Measuring 36 3/4 inches in overall length with a lightly curved double fuller 30 1/2 inch, which bears a fine Damascus pattern down the length. The lower half of the blade is deeply etched, finely decorated, and gold wash accented, with vinework and the WKC Solingen address on the spine, "Eisenhauer" (iron hewer) on the right ricasso and "Damaststahl" (Damascus steel) on the left. The right side bears a deep etched panel with oak leaf and scroll motifs, an array of arms and the royal cipher of Kaiser Wilhelm II. On the left is the inscription "Ehrenpreis fur hervorragende Schiessleistungen 1902./dem Major Betz nom 4. Unter-Elsassischen Infanterie-Regiment No 143." (Honor Prize for Outstanding Performance, to Major Betz of the 4th Under-Alsatian Infantry Regiment). The hilt is gilt brass, with a Wilhelm II eagle integrated into the 2-branch guard, engraved feather motifs, and both the pommel cap and the obverse side of the grip bearing the Wilhelm II cipher. The scabbard is black enamel finished metal, free of adornment and very much the regulation standard. Included consignor research notes Major Betz (first name unknown) as born in 1855, and at the time of the award was the commander of the 2nd Battalion of the 4th Regiment, and records noted him has having earned the Order of the Red Eagle (4th Class), the Order of the Zaehringer Lion (Knight 1st Class), the 25 Year Long Service Medal and the 1897 Centenary Medal. Noted as having retired in 1908, Betz was recalled to service for World War I and served as commander of a Landsturm Regiment from Loerrach, retiring again at the rank of Oberstleutnant. He is still listed on the Army rolls as an inactive officer as late as 1926, but his final fate is unrecorded.

Fine. The blade shows some mild pitting at the tip and ricasso, with about half of the gold wash at the base, with well defined metal grain and sharp etching. The hilt retains around 40% of the gilt finish with a finely aged patina on the visible brass, and some light scuffs on the grip. The scabbard retains 70% of the black enamel finish, with an aged brown patina on the visible metal.