Original Item: Only One Available. This is an excellent example of a Royal Bavarian Model 1826 Chevau-légers Officer’s Saber, complete with its original steel scabbard. The saber has the characteristic steel guard with a main knuckle bow and two side branches, a leather covered grip, and a gently curved blade decorated on both sides with the Royal Cypher of King Ludwig II of Bavaria.

The M1826 was introduced for the Bavarian Chevau-légers, or light cavalry. Although the pattern was initially introduced in 1825, its formal regulations were issued on July 3, 1826, resulting in its common modern designation as the M1826. The pattern was also carried by the Bavarian Uhlan regiments formed in 1864 and was subsequently described more generally as a light cavalry saber. From 1891, older examples were transferred for use by mounted artillery personnel.

The spine of the blade is etched with the retailer’s marking:

F. Kraus München

The ricasso is stamped with a beehive trademark, a marking commonly attributed to the renowned Solingen sword cutler Samuel Hoppe. Samuel Hoppe is documented as having used the beehive as his maker’s trademark during the 19th century.

Both sides of the blade are etched with the Royal Cypher of King Ludwig II, consisting of a crown above mirrored L letters. Ludwig II reigned as King of Bavaria from 1864 until 1886, placing the original manufacture of this saber within his reign.

The blade measures approximately 32¼" and remains in good condition, showing scattered oxidation spotting and evidence of past cleaning. The original leather blade buffer remains present at the base of the blade, although it is heavily worn. The saber measures approximately 37¾" overall.

The accompanying steel scabbard measures approximately 33⅞" and remains in very good overall condition. It has one suspension ring attached directly to the scabbard, a construction detail often encountered on Bavarian swords. The exterior finish is well worn and exhibits scattered oxidation spotting.

The single ring scabbard configuration may reflect a later service modification. Bavarian regulations called for the lower suspension ring to be removed from these scabbards in 1910, after older M1826 sabers had been reassigned to mounted artillery use. This modification is consistent with possible continued service into the World War I period, although no unit markings or documented provenance are present to confirm wartime use.

The Bavarian heavy cavalry, or Schwere Reiter, carried the related but heavier M1825 cuirassier broadsword. Both patterns employed substantial branched guards, but the M1826 was intended as the more manageable weapon of the light cavalry. Bavaria introduced a newer cavalry pattern in 1891 with a shorter blade and a guard incorporating two side branches.

This is a particularly attractive Ludwig II period Bavarian cavalry saber, retaining its etched royal cyphers, Munich retailer marking, Samuel Hoppe beehive trademark, leather blade buffer, and later single ring steel scabbard.

Approximate Measurements:

Blade Length: 32¼"
Grip Length: 4"
Overall Length: 37¾"
Scabbard Length: 33⅞"