Original Austro-Hungarian WWI M1915 Pioneer Short Sword by Carl Grasser of Vienna with Scabbard Original Items

Origianl Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice example of the scarce Austro-Hungarian Model 1915 Pioneer’s Short sword or falchion, officially termed the Pioniersäbel M.1915 (Pioneer Saber M.1915). This sidearm was issued to Pioneers (i.e. field engineers) of the Austro-Hungarian Army. Although such sidearms could, if necessary, be used as weapons, they were primarily intended as tools. Their strong, broad, machete-like blade was designed for tasks such as cutting and clearing brushwood. In this way it was very similar to the German Faschinenmesser.

This example is in very nice condition, with some light staining and past pitting on the heavy 15 3/8 inch long blade. With an overall length of 21 1/4 inches, these were ideal for their intended purpose of clearing brush and chopping through small branches. It features a distinctive “S” shaped crossguard, with a nice long wooden grip, for a secure hold.

The blade ricasso is marked faintly with maker C. GRASSER, for Carl Grasser of Wien (Vienna), a well known maker seen on many edged weapons from the late 19th century onwards. It is somewhat obscured by the Austrian Imperial Eagle proof that was stamped on one of the “S” letters in the marking. There is also a regimental marking on the crossguard of F H R 33, for Feldhaubitzenregiment 33 (Field Howitzer Regiment 33). Most likely it was used to clear brush for the artillery emplacements, and to help make camouflage from trees.

The heavy steel scabbard looks to have been issued “in the white”, or had the paint removed at some later time. It has an imperial proof on the frog button, and is retained by a very nice brown leather belt frog.

A very nice example of a scarce Pioneer Sword from the last years of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, complete with scabbard and frog. Ready to display!

Specifications:
Blade Length:15 3/8″
Blade Style: Heavy Machete Blade
Overall length: 21 1/4“
Crossguard: 4 1/4”
Scabbard Length: 15 5/8″