Original Imperial German Pre-WWI Model 1873 Prussian Artillery Saber with Matching Scabbard & Unit Markings - Blücher Saber - Dated 1873

Original item: Only One Available. A wonderful saber we just got in! Despite the machine guns and artillery, swords were still issued to officers in WWI. This is a fine example of the German Artillery Officer's Sword, commonly referred to as the "Blücher Sabel," named for the Prussian Commander Gebhard Leberecht von Blücher, who was ally to the Duke of Wellington at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. This is the earliest example we have offered.

This example is in very good service used condition, showing very nice blade condition, with only a few areas of light oxidation on the otherwise solid blade. The machining marks can even still be seen on most of the blade body. The blade has been sharpened, and there are a few small nicks, but it is still quite nice. It is stamped on the upper spine near the hilt is a small Crown over W over 73 for Kaiser Wilhelm I 1873, the year it was accepted into service. Under this is a sub inspector marking.

The blade ricasso is nicely marked under the rain chape with F. A. HERMES / [SOLINGEN], for maker Friedrich August Hermes of Solingen, the legendary "City of Blades" in Western Germany. The bottom line is under the leather blade buffer and not visible.

The blade retains the leather blade buffer, and the sword has a very nice rubber ribbed grip. It features the characteristic single knuckle bow hand guard. There are various proof marks on hilt and blade, and this sword comes with the original all steel scabbard, which is in very good condition. It still retains a good amount of the original blued finish, especially near the throat. It does have some small denting on the body, but no real bends, and none of this interferes with the sheathing of the blade. There are several unit markings on the sword and scabbard, including E.M. 35. 10. On the crossguard, and 2./R.R.15.217. On the scabbard.

A most desirable Imperial German WWI Artillery Officer's "Blücher Sabel" with scabbard, ready to research and display!

Specifications:
Overall length: 34 7/8”
Blade length: 29 3/4”
Handguard: 5 1/4”L x 6 1/4"W
Scabbard length: 30 ¾”