Imperial German Sword Collection!

Join me as we open Kaiser Wilhelm II's closets and examine his vast collection of uniforms and swords - in this episode, swords and daggers.
Special thanks to the staff at Huis Doorn for inviting me on a private tour of the building and grounds. My thanks to the following persons: Curator Cornelis van der Bas, Junior Curator Leon van der Kuil, and Marketeer Jaël Buteijn. Many thanks for such a memorable and fascinating visit!
For information on visiting Huis Doorn, please go to: www.huisdoorn.nl/en/homepage/
Dr. Mark Felton FRHistS, FRSA, is a well-known British historian, the author of 22 non-fiction books, including bestsellers 'Zero Night' and 'Castle of the Eagles', both currently being developed into movies in Hollywood. In addition to writing, Mark also appears regularly in television documentaries around the world, including on The History Channel, Netflix, National Geographic, Quest, American Heroes Channel and RMC Decouverte. His books have formed the background to several TV and radio documentaries. More information about Mark can be found at: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Fe...
Visit my audio book channel 'War Stories with Mark Felton': • One Thousand Miles to ...
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Disclaimer: All opinions and comments expressed in the 'Comments' section do not reflect the opinions of Mark Felton Productions. All opinions and comments should contribute to the dialogue. Mark Felton Productions does not condone written attacks, insults, racism, sexism, extremism, violence or otherwise questionable comments or material in the 'Comments' section, and reserves the right to delete any comment violating this rule or to block any poster from the channel.
Credits: US National Archives; Library of Congress; Bundesarchiv; Jaël Buteijn; A. Savin; Tony Webster

[@thEannoyingE]

It’s incredible that all these artifacts still exist today. Thank you.

[@oler777]

It turns out pieces of metal last a lot longer than human to do so it really shouldn’t be that incredible

[@Svensk7119]

​@@oler777I believe the original commentor meant they weren't looted, seized, stolen, confiscated or otherwise lost to history.

[@fdlman93092]

Looking at an old guy's old stuff is a universally beloved pastime

[@qre268Zrtb]

Thank you Dr Felton. The great part of this is how the Dutch Government had the foresight to ensure all the artifacts were preserved and saved for future generations to observe and admire.

[@send2wj]

Agreed, but still, like dr Felton has said, the family have taken his decorations to Germany which is such a shame. In the end, they took the “wrong stuff” I guess because especially the swords are the really one of a kind things.

[@user-fv5ms4sz8e]

These exquisite swords are quite stunning. They are both extremely rare, one-of-a-kind artifacts and highly esteemed treasures. I feel very lucky to have seen the Kaiser's wardrobe and glad to know it is taken good care of. Thank you Mark.

[@jerryjeromehawkins1712]

As an amateur knife maker... only attempting swords a handful of times... I am absolutely speechless. I am beyond happy that these gorgeous edged weapons are still being honored and protected. Thank you, Dr. Felton. 😔

[@cior8837]

What a amazing opportunity, thank you for bringing us along Dr Mark Felton!

[@CameronMcCreary]

Thank you Mark for showing us these opulent swords and daggers of Kaiser Wilhelm's.

[@user-hl9qe3mz2j]

The comment at the beginning of this piece describes a Scottish Claymore it is an fact a Basket hilted broadsword a claymore is a two handed sword with a 5,1/2 foot blade with a 1,1/2 foot handle. Regards Bryan

[@emeraldfalchionknight]

"Claymore" is a word used for both Scottish basket hilt swords *and* two handed swords, funnily enough! And "Broadsword" is a very vague term used mostly in fiction to refer to longswords and can mean many things, just like the word claymore! Thanks for trying to help but he was correct

[@scrappydoo7887]

Wow! Thats a chance of a lifetime! Thank you very much for bringing this to us Mark. Living vicariously through you is a rewarding thing for sure

[@jonclassical2024]

Wow Mark...such a great honor to be allowed to view all these items and yes, we all thank the staff at Huis Doorn. Really enjoyed this entire series...something mere mortals would have never seen w/o your efforts!

[@anthony_obrien4080]

Well said 🤙🍻

[@balabanasireti]

Cringe

[@chrais78]

Oh you know the Kaiser must've loved those Navy swords, considering how enthusiastic he was about the Kaiserliche Marine.

[@JayYoung-ro3vu]

Beautiful and exquisite pieces! Thank you for sharing with us Dr. Felton!

[@djRichieOrlando]

You Dr. Felton are the Crème de la crème of Historians... Everytime i see a new video and hear the intro i know my day just got better and we're in for a treat. Thank you Dr. Felton for all your hard work and dedication. Your making the world 🌎 better place one video at a time. Salute to you sir... 💯🙏🏼🙌🫶

[@bananaboi18]

If the museum took apart the Japanese Tachi that was presented to him the tang of the blade is most defiantly signed by the smith that made it, and probably dated as well. If there is no date on the tang, Japanese sword smiths are very well documented and their signatures can be pinned down to certain eras, which defiantly can be used to date the blade. From my experience in collecting Japanese Gunto from the Imperial Era, most presentation tachi like the one in the video are made special for the ceremony. Sometimes more ancient blades are mounted in newer koshiere, but that is the exception rather than the norm. I hope the museum takes the care and the time to photograph the tang and the sword in full so that more information about it can be obtained from it! Thanks for the great video Mark!

[@briancrawford8751]

FYI: Either you are phoneposting and choosing "defiantly" or your autocorrect is doing it. I think you mean to say "definitely."

[@jb6387]

Never a bad video from Dr. Felton. The images and films, narration, detailed information and near encyclopedic knowledge can’t be found anywhere else. He is the antidote to what the History Channel, Discovery network, etc. have become.

[@GazalAlShaqab]

I was about to type that this Austrian Damascus Hussar's sabre was a surreal beauty, but they ALL are. I bet one could spend hours admiring EVERY piece of this collection. WHAT a chance they all stayed together!

[@grandcommander1140]

Excellent work, Dr. Felton! Would love to see an episode on the Emperor's orders, medals and decorations

[@wcarcass]

As always, amazing video. Just to add some information. The Kazari-Tachi is literally a decorative sword, and by literally I mean that. Kazari (飾り(かざり))means decoration. Although it’s a noun, if you combined with other nouns, the result is a decorative “whatever noun” you are using. There are many types of Tachi swords(curved blade) swords. The Kazari Tachi is a decorative sword, as in “ceremonial” one used by the imperial family and high ranking officers only. Most of the time, but not exclusively, the blade is not metal but wood or bamboo, so a metal blade Kazari-Tachi is a very rare and valuable object.

[@MARfilms]

Engravings may give you no tactical advantage what so ever, but they do tell a lot of stories. I love all of these, amazing craftsmanship and design. These are all works of art. Thank you for sharing this with us and thank you Huis Doorn for allowing Mark to show us all these fine objects.

[@harbl99]

Distraction value? "Hold still while I hit you with this elaborate work of art!"

[@michaelbruns449]

Spectacularly ornate and detailed metal work rivaling and surpassing anything made today.

[@cleophusA]

Excellent presentation! The Kaiser's collection is stunning and seemingly endless! Please, keep the Kaiser videos coming!

[@samparkerSAM]

Thank You Professor Mark, I own my family's Heavy Prussian Saber, it was carried by my Ancestor Von Zeigler. Your video as always was informative and a welcomed gift of rare knowledge. Thank You Sir.

[@GetUpTheMountains]

My goodness. What a collection. It's incredible to see these examples of the finest craftsmanship of the day so well preserved. Kudos to the staff at Huis Doorn!

[@Willigula]

Wow! I’m a sword enthusiast and this video has blown my mind! Thanks, Dr. Felton!

[@user-co7dr3rl8b]

The beauty and craftsmanship of these swords is truely amazing.

[@dustylover100]

What's amazing to me is how the emperors of each country give each other gifts like these but winding up fighting each other.

[@densealloy]

1:34 the ancanthus engraving is stunning. Seriously talented workmanship here.

[@GuineaPigEveryday]

I lived right next to this museum but never heard about these items, its a lovely museum though they have a lot of various exhibitions not just WW2 but also WW1, they had one about Fokker airplanes a while back, and even a cavalry reenactment and fair.

[@jacobusmeiring9875]

As a bladesmith by profession I really enjoyed that one 🙏

[@DavidSmith-ss1cg]

It's a GIFT, to view these swords, dress swords and the daggers to go with them; I imagine that there are belts and hangers to go with all of the. Or maybe not - as they would've taken a lot of storage space and may not have been considered worth keeping as the Kaiser's sidearms would never be expected to be worn. They're definitely quite important, as those swords were actually currently used military weapons when he got them, and would therefore be of the highest quality. This is especially true of the Meiji ceremonial Kazari Tachi, which has a priceless antique blade rebuilt with suitably awesome accoutrements and materials - it's probably one of the finest Japanese blades anywhere besides Japan. Thank you, Dr. Felton, for sharing these photos.

[@briancrawford8751]

AFAIK, swords were discarded early on in WWI because they made the user a target for snipers.

[@ianmichael5768]

Artists made these intricate objects of metal and cloth. I like to think they (the sword/cloth makers) used the Royal Class as conduits to showcase their passion. They are truly beautiful and showcase a time period and society. Respect the times past. Thank you.

[@paulyokoyama7162]

Interesting that the second Japanese sword shown appears to be a Tsurugi instead of a Katana. This is an ancient straight bladed sword more like those used in mainland Asia.

[@mattgeorge90]

Excellent episode! ❤

[@mrhamburger6936]

Thank you for sharing The sword and Dagger collection of Kaiser Wilhelm

[@diegoferreiro9478]

When I was a kid and visited either of my Grandmas I could expect some candy or maybe a small tip that went directly spent in candy or collectible cards. When Willy visited his Grandma he was appointed Admiral. Life is so unfair sometimes...

[@CapnDan57]

I just finished binge watching the entire Kaiser series. Fascinating amount of interesting relics at Huis Doorn that are not on display. Thank you so much for your excellent presentations.

[@robertcollins106]

Always astounded by this content. Never disappointed.

[@paulcateiii]

I agree with you Dr.Felton - that's one bad ass letter opener

[@Rom3_29]

Thank you. Breathtakingly Beautiful uniforms and gear for each and every ceremony. 19. & 20. Century history of royal houses in one home.

[@edwardvillate2112]

Stunning COLLECTION of SWORDS ⚔️ ... THANKS 👍‼️

[@fordfairlane662dr]

Very late fir me watching the latest episode..but i made it .i never miss a mark Felton history lesson ❤❤❤❤

[@djdefaut6869]

The history that surrounds this collection is amazing and should be in a museum.

[@wayneantoniazzi2706]

The craftsmanship on those swords is nothing short of astonishing! Every one a work of art! We can't call them weapons since obviously they were never intended as such. Maybe one or two cut wedding or birthday cakes but that's about all they cut. (Kind of like my Marine officer's Mameluke sword. 😂) I wonder how big that closet is and what else is in there? Thanks Doctor Felton, an amazing video!

[@briancrawford8751]

They may not cut, but I'm sure they could run someone through easily.

[@wayneantoniazzi2706]

@@briancrawford8751 I depends on how hard you're willing to push.

[@briancrawford8751]

@@wayneantoniazzi2706 Yeah. I think if I were ever forced to defend myself with such a weapon, and it would of course be self-defense, I would push as hard as necessary to reduce the attacker's blood pressure to 0/0.

[@iainmc9859]

Wow, with all those swords and medals he must have been a very brave man and fought in lots of battles ...............

[@GazalAlShaqab]

FANTASTIC video, many thanks Mr. Felton! Feels like a time travel to more …interesting times.

[@kawythowy867]

2nd a Mark Felton production. Not too bad. Great story. And history. As usual

[@johntamlyn6383]

Another fascinating collection. A lot of priority must have been given to bringing this collection of swords, memorabilia and all the Kaiser’s numerous uniforms from Germany. Really interesting. Many thanks.

[@kleinweichkleinweich]

"no bling is left behind" as Billy boy used to say

[@tokencivilian8507]

What a fantastic collection. Thank you and to the house Staff for bringing this to us.

[@matthewrikihana6818]

I was admiring how the staff member's outfit and shoe suited the display of the swards,,,then Dr Felton's companions' shoes hove into view 😂. Bravo.

[@42TRGSako]

Such beautiful workmanship!

[@Wingatewasright]

Let’s look inside the Kaiser’s closet (opens closet). Philip, Prince of Eulenburg - “Hello!” Ah …

[@Mutley58]

All those blades show stunning workmanship and sheer beauty. Fantastic to see! Thanks for this video.

[@Tld0026]

To just have one of those swords would be a treasure. But he had so many!

[@Jaceric2]

Wow thats quite a collection, thank you Dr.Felton for sharing with us.

[@cass300]

Always the Best from Mark Felton X

[@MyLateralThawts]

I am reminded of two lost family heirlooms, both swords that should have ended up in my possession if not for the chaos of the final weeks of World War Two. One was the ceremonial officers sword my grandfather earned mid-war, when he was commissioned from being a Chief Petty Officer. My grandmother destroyed it for some bizarre reason, possibly thinking that the Allies were looking for that sort of thing. The other was the even rarer ceremonial sword of my great grandfather, who served as a Reichsbahninspektor through both world wars, losing it while fleeing East Prussia in the final days of the Third Reich. Presumably it’s in the possession of a Russian family, whose own forefather gained the sword, among other objects, during those days.

[@paulkoza8652]

I'm catching up after 3 weeks in France. This is amazing.

[@peterskyforger1508]

I love how all these royal big one family guys give each other presents with best wishes only for next day to jump at each others throats and pull whole of their nations along

[@MrMontbeliard92]

I really enjoy seeing these items. What amazing history locked away. Thank you for showing us these things!

[@JESUSisLORD24151]

Thank you for sharing these amazing educational videos. Its great to see how these items of such historical value are being preserved.

[@barryirlandi4217]

The beauty of these tressures bring tears to my eyes.

[@knutdergroe9757]

I am soooo envious, How special and amazing. My humble opinion is that this video is a crowning. I would want to spend days viewing (trying not to drool) over this collection.

[@CS-rh2ce]

amazing video mark. Been waiting for this one what an honor it must have been to have all these beautiful things shown to you. best wishes

[@christyhart8254]

This is incredible, Dr. Felton! Thank you for sharing this treasure with us!

[@QuantumPyrite_88.9]

It's easy to see why Wilhelm was so totally self-absorbed . Thanks for a most interesting video, Dr. Felton.

[@TXMEDRGR]

What a priceless and beautiful collection. Thank you.

[@harbl99]

Apocryphal story demonstrating how much of a clothes horse Wilhelm was: Kaiser Wilhelm hops off the train during a state visit to Austria in his full 'honorary admiral of the Austrian navy' rig. Emperor Franz-Josef: "Is that the new uniform? Even I haven't got that one yet."

[@vammamandmore4772]

Theres alot of hard work in the beautiful swords

[@andrewpinner3181]

Thanks Mark, I'm always astounded by your research, findings & explanations !

[@robertphillips6296]

Excellent Bling!

[@Free-Bodge79]

Stunning stuff. Thank-you doctor Felton.👊💛👍

[@lukerobinson3983]

My grandfather had a naval saber hung over the front door when I was a child a beautiful object that is now in my uncles possession

[@libertyvilleguy2903]

Stunning collection. Priceless. So glad they let you video them.

[@briannicholas2757]

What a spectacular video. I am green with envy. I've been collecting swords for over 30 years, and I have 4 WWI era Imperial German, Prussian and Bavarian swords and sabers, but none are as fine a these. Thank you for sharing this with us.

[@Rick2010100]

Hoflieferant means: Royal warrant of appointment, 1:1 translated: court supplier. Others also often ask what the RZM stamp means. RZM stands für Reichszeugmeisterei and is label of the German military procurement agency from 1928-1945. RZM means that this weapon, uniforms or utilities are tested and allowed by the RZM for militar use. Each RZM item has a 6-digit catalogue number and every product from different producers had to fit the RZM spezifications for the product. Collectors be aware, the RZM and other stamps are today often faked, a hammer stamp (DIY) costs today just aprox. 50 bugs and they are soild in masses. The today House of Hohenzollern has also many Prussian historical items wich are on display on the family castle "Burg Hohenzollern". Also some items and uniforms from Frederick the Great are there on display. Even the original Uniform with a shothole where the bullet was stoped by his silver snifbox.

[@ashively1]

Thank you so for sharing your priviledged access to these items! Well done!

[@thomasluedke5635]

I'm a fan of history and have been following this channel for a while. Currently on deployment in the desert and missing home. This channel has been a huge part of keeping my sanity. Thank you, Mr. Felton and keep these top quality videos coming. -USN CPO

[@antdenzic7977]

What workmanship on all those swords, truly beautiful, artistic & nothing short of breathtaking.

[@simonmcowan6874]

Wow, that these exist, thankyou for bringing them to us.

[@debbiestyer453]

Absolutely beautiful pieces of history.

[@TerryC69]

An absolutely fascinating series Many Thanks, Mark!

[@boarder721]

Just fantastic. Thank you.

[@mastathrash5609]

If There's one thing I like more than treasure, it's the history that lies behind it. Thanks for showing these lovely blades and accoutrement and speaking on them.

[@duaneho555]

This is awesome. I could look at this type of artifacts all day long. Thanks for sharing.

[@Jager-uq1dc]

Yay! Saturday morning in New Zealand and a fresh Dr Felton video to watch. Bliss ☕️👌

[@simonwood1402]

He certainly liked his Bling! 🏅🥇💖

[@Bradydog-in7ut]

Boy, would collectors love to get their hands on that stuff!!!

[@johnanita9251]

Wauw. They gift him swords like it's cake. Expensive stuff even in those days

[@kenm.7651]

Wow. The craftsmanship is just incredible.

[@AaronfromEngland1989]

Them swords are something else

[@misterbacon4933]

Wow, just unbelievable pressures sabels!

[@jensenwilliam5434]

Thank you Mark

[@mikeschultz8509]

How lucky you were to see all these museum pieces, up close...

[@steveshoemaker6347]

How very beautiful Swords Sabers & Daggers are and thanks very much my friend..... Old Flying Shoe🇺🇸 family...

[@razor6888]

Wow !!! thank you for the video... simply amazing !

[@tomservo5347]

My German mom told me that my great-grandfather had a portrait of the Kaiser hanging in his house. It wasn't uncommon to see the Kaiser in houses around where I live where lots of German immigrants settled on the floodplains of the Missouri River where they'd row boats out during spring floods (before levees) to find the right high ground to put up a house and farm the rich black soil.

[@chrisparsons2791]

Most Excellent ! Thank you for sharing with us !

[@nudaveritas6322]

Mindblowing!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you!!!!!!!!!

[@jonminer9891]

What a wonderful collection. Thanks for sharing!

[@simonparkinson7078]

Superb craftsmanship.

[@islandhopperstuart]

Staggering! Thanks for bringing these to us.