{"product_id":"original-german-19th-century-saxon-m-1840-faschinenmesser-pioneer-artillery-short-sword-by-c-r-kirschbaum-metallwarenfabrik","title":"Original German 19th Century Saxon M.1840 Faschinenmesser Pioneer Artillery Short Sword by C.R. Kirschbaum, Metallwarenfabrik","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. These are the traditional Sidearms of SAXONY, one of the independent German City States that existed prior to the unification of Germany under Bismarck in 1871. Each State had its own characteristic sidearms, this Faschinenmesser Sword was one used by Saxony. The 24 3\/8” long sword has a large Cleaver shaped blade of 18 3\/4\" mounted onto an all brass ribbed grip bag shaped hilt with a brass \"S\" cross guard. The name itself translates to \"Fascine Knife\", and the design is intended both for defense and as a tool for cutting \"fascines\". These are bundles of sticks and brush used to strengthen trenches, walking paths, and other types of earthen work found on the battlefield. They are the predecessor of the heavy sawback pioneer swords and bayonets used in WWI.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost that we have seen were relatively unmarked, but this example is marked on the ricasso with with a \u003cb\u003eCROWN \u003c\/b\u003eover \u003cb\u003eJR \u003c\/b\u003ein German Gothic Font, for \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eJohann I, the King of Saxony \u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003efrom 9 August 1854 – 29 October 1873. This puts production of this particular example right around the 1860s. The other side of this example is marked on the ricasso with the Maker's logo of a \u003cb\u003eKnight's Helmet (Ritter-helm) \u003c\/b\u003efor the Solingen firm of \"\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eC.R. Kirschbaum, Metallwarenfabrik\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e”. This company would later become W.R. Kirschbaum (his son) in 1870, which would later merge with Gebrüder Weyersberg to form the legendary Weyersberg Kirschbaum \u0026amp; Co. in 1883.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sword is in good condition, showing light use and some staining and surface rust. The blade is mostly blunt, and there is no scabbard.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReady to display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpecifications:\u003cbr\u003eBlade Length: 18 3\/4\"\u003cbr\u003eBlade Style: Single Edge Machete Style\u003cbr\u003eOverall length: 24 3\/8“\u003cbr\u003eCrossguard:4 1\/4”\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45988555161669,"sku":"ONAC25SD0826","price":295.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/B70FB534-F70D-4B44-ABDC-D9CF66E8FC1F.jpg?v=1791838509","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-german-19th-century-saxon-m-1840-faschinenmesser-pioneer-artillery-short-sword-by-c-r-kirschbaum-metallwarenfabrik","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}