Original 19th Century Saxon M.1840 Faschinenmesser All-Steel Pioneer Artillery Short Sword – Regimentally Marked Original Items

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 Bismark in 1871. Each State had it’s own characteristic sidearms, this Faschinenmesser Sword was one used by Saxony. The 24 long sword has a large Cleaver shaped blade of 18 1/2″ mounted onto an all STEEL ribbed grip bag shaped hilt with a STEEL “S” cross guard.

The name itself translates to “Fascine Knife”, and the design is intended both for defense an 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.

The cross guard on our example still bears it’s original regimental markings:

119. R. 4. 180.

This designation represents the 119th (1st Württemberg) Grenadiers “Queen Olga” Infantry Regiment, 4th battalion, 180th man. This group was raised in 1673 and garrisoned at Stuttgart, later part of the XIII Army Corps. This indicates that this Faschinenmesser saw service after 1871, as this is an Imperial German Army designation.

However, on top of the cross guard there is another regimental marking, probably earlier, reading 1. K. 78, which is probably the original Saxon issue regiment. Definitely excellent research potential in this item.

The blade does have some old rust pits that confirm its originality. It even retains a small proof mark on the ricasso. Ready to Display!