Original 19th Century Saxon M.1840 Faschinenmesser 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 1/2 long sword has a large Cleaver shaped blade of 18 1/2″ 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 cross guard on our example still bears it’s original regimental markings:

104.R.1.33.

This designation represents the 104th (5th Royal Saxon) Infantry “Crown Prince” Regiment, 1st battalion, 33rd man. This group was raised in 7 December 1701 and garrisoned at Chemnitz, later part of the XIX 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 comes complete with its original black leather brass mounted scabbard, which has lost some of the finish, but is still in solid condition. The front of the blade does have some old rust pits that confirm its originality. It even retains the ghost of a crown proof mark on blade ricasso.

Ready to Display.