Original German 19th Century Saxon M.1840 Faschinenmesser Pioneer Artillery Short Sword – Regiment 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 1/4 long sword has a large Cleaver shaped blade of 18 1/4″ 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 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 brass cross guard on our example still bears it’s original regimental markings:

105. R. 7. 41.

This designation represents the 105th (6th Royal Saxon) Infantry “King William II of Württemberg” Regiment, 7th battalion, 41st man. This group was raised in 7 December 1701 and garrisoned at Straßburg, later part of the XV 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, but definitely does show use, and has been sharpened several times. There is a bit of light pitting near the tip, but nothing major It even has a crown proof mark on blade ricasso. The hilt and crossguard are somewhat loose on the blade.

Ready to Display.