Original German 19th Century Saxon M.1840 Faschinenmesser Pioneer Artillery Short Sword by P. D. Lüneschloss - Regiment Marked - 102nd (3rd Royal Saxon) Infantry "King Ludwig III of Bavaria"

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 Bismarck 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 and 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:

102. L. I. 2. 57.

This is the marking for the 102nd (3rd Royal Saxon) Infantry "King Ludwig III of Bavaria. The ricasso is marked P.D.L. inside an oval of dots, the maker marking for P. D. Lüneschloss, Fabrik blanker Waffen, located in the legendary blade-making city of Solingen. The company was founded in 1810 by Peter Daniel Lüneschloss, and existed well into the 20th century.

The sword is in good condition, showing light use and some staining and surface rust. 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, and the throat has broken off of the scabbard, but will sit fine for display. The drag is also loose. The scabbard is regiment-marked but to a different regiment on the brass throat with 106. R.E. 2. 73.

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"