Original German 19th Century Saxon M.1840 Faschinenmesser Pioneer Artillery Short Sword - Regiment Marked
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Original 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 it's own characteristic sidearms, this Faschinenmesser Sword was one used by Saxony. The 24 1/4 long sword has a large Cleaver shaped blade of 19" 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.
Most that we have seen were relatively unmarked, but this example is marked on the ricasso with with a CROWN over JR in German Gothic Font, for Johann I, the King of Saxony from 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 Knight's Helmet (Ritter-helm) for the Solingen firm of "C.R. Kirschbaum, Metallwarenfabrik”. 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 & Co. in 1883.
The brass cross guard on our example still bears it's original regimental markings:
103. R. 3. 53.
This indicates issue to the 103rd (4th Royal Saxon) Infantry Regiment, 3rd Battalion, 53rd Man. The 4th Royal Saxon Infantry Regiment was formed on June 14, 1709, and was garrisoned at Bautzen on the river Spree 50 miles east of Dresden. The unit was attached to the XII Army Corps. This indicates that this Faschinenmesser saw service after 1871, as this is an Imperial German Army designation. This is typical of the early empire, as most local units kept their characteristic uniforms and sidearms.
The sword is in good condition, showing light use and some staining and surface rust. The blade is mostly blunt, though does show some signs of sharpening from the past.
The sword comes complete with its original black leather brass mounted scabbard, which has lost some of the finish, but is in good shape overall. The scabbard is also regiment marked on the brass throat with 104. R. 9. 129. This designation was for 104th (5th Royal Saxon) Infantry Regiment, 9th Battalion, 129th man.
Ready to Display!
Specifications:
Blade Length: 19"
Blade Style: Single Edge Machete Style
Overall length: 24 1/4“
Crossguard:4 1/4”
Scabbard Length: 19 1/4"
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