Trying to identify this Sword w/ leather sheath
- Thread starter Drtuddle
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- Feb 17, 2013
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That is a "faschinenmesser", or "Fascine knife", and is essentially a Prussian infantry machete, primarily used as a fortification building and brush clearing tool, but it could also be used as a close quarters defense sword.
All of the marks on the guard and scabbard throat piece represent regimental inventory markings. The faschienenmesser and scabbard are not original to each other, as shown by the disparate markings.
The "base" model is the M1845, but the handle grooves would indicate that it is what is the most frequently encountered version, referred to as an M1864. Many consider it to be the last Imperial Prussian version. It could have been made any time between 1864 and the end of the Prussian Empire, around 1919. The manufacturer's mark could narrow the time frame.
The manufacturer is most likely stamped on the blade's ricasso, although very occasionally it is somewhere on the guard.
All of the marks on the guard and scabbard throat piece represent regimental inventory markings. The faschienenmesser and scabbard are not original to each other, as shown by the disparate markings.
The "base" model is the M1845, but the handle grooves would indicate that it is what is the most frequently encountered version, referred to as an M1864. Many consider it to be the last Imperial Prussian version. It could have been made any time between 1864 and the end of the Prussian Empire, around 1919. The manufacturer's mark could narrow the time frame.
The manufacturer is most likely stamped on the blade's ricasso, although very occasionally it is somewhere on the guard.
- Joined
- Feb 17, 2013
- Messages
- 6,139
The marks may be very faint. Take another look with light at an angle to make shadows.
I'm having a brain freeze as I can't remember what the "T" stands for, but the "F" refers to "fusiliers", which translates to Light Infantry. An "R" would mean "regiment". Most of the ones I have seen have been on the order of "x.R.A.y.z", representing "X Artillery Regiment Y Company Z individual item number".
Scratch outs, X outs, Line outs - indicate that a weapon was transferred from 1 unit to another. Yours looks like the scabbard traveled a bit as it has 2 unit marking scratch outs and the sword on has an original ID.
The marks on the guard -
"something W"
over
68
most likely stands for King William I and the year 1868. King William I ruled Prussia from 1861 to 1888, so a M1864 would fit right in.
I'm having a brain freeze as I can't remember what the "T" stands for, but the "F" refers to "fusiliers", which translates to Light Infantry. An "R" would mean "regiment". Most of the ones I have seen have been on the order of "x.R.A.y.z", representing "X Artillery Regiment Y Company Z individual item number".
Scratch outs, X outs, Line outs - indicate that a weapon was transferred from 1 unit to another. Yours looks like the scabbard traveled a bit as it has 2 unit marking scratch outs and the sword on has an original ID.
The marks on the guard -
"something W"
over
68
most likely stands for King William I and the year 1868. King William I ruled Prussia from 1861 to 1888, so a M1864 would fit right in.