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 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 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.

Most that we have seen were relatively unmarked, but 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 other side is marked with a CROWN over J R 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 brass cross guard on our example still bears it’s original regimental markings:

106. R. 12. 107.

This designation represents the 106th (7th Royal Saxon) Infantry “King George” Regiment, 12th battalion, 107tht man. This group was raised 2 June 1708 and garrisoned at Leipzig, and was later part of the XIX Army Corps. This indicates that this Faschinenmesser saw service after 1871, as this is an Imperial German Army designation. There is a different designation on the scabbard, 107 R 9 212, for the 107th (8th Royal Saxon) Infantry “Prince John George” Regiment, another Saxon unit. This is typical of the early empire, as most local units kept their characteristic uniforms and sidearms.

The sword is in very good condition, showing light use and some staining, but no major damage or oxidation. 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 still in solid condition, with intact stitching. 

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″