AUSTRIAN MODEL 1915 ENGINEERS / PIONEER SHORT SWORD C/w SCABBARD, ESTATE FRESH
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:127824 |
Up for sale I can today offer an estate-fresh, just surfaced original Great War (WWI) Austo-Hungarian Engineers (Pionier) short-sword. This is the Model 1915, which was a wartime expedient, and simplified version of an earlier 19th century style. It features a very rugged, 15 1/2 inch blade with a short false edge on the top of the blade which extends back roughly 3 inches from the point. The blade is in overall good shape, with a gray patina showing some spotting and a few abrasions f...rom most likely having been sharpened in the field via a stone grinding wheel, which was a common practice. The guard is a simple affair, in an elongated "S" shape, and the hilt / handle is comprised of two contoured grip plates, fastened through the tang via three flush ground rivets. The entire length of the sword unsheathed, from blade to pommel tip is 21 1/4 inches. The blade is marked with a large "R" on one side of the ricasso, the other side featuring a small Austrian eagle stamp. On the guard appears what I believe to be unit markings "14 F.K. 529". The scabbard is sheet steel, with a simple "L" shaped frog stud, upon which also appears the diminutive Imperial Austrian eagle cypher. The scabbard has a few shallow dents, but nothing which hinders passage of the blade, and the blade can be inserted in either direction. The bottom of the scabbard was finished in this "flat" configuration, hence there is no finial ball. Although not originally intended as a weapon, but a utilitarian tool, I have little doubt that if the need arose, this hefty little sword would serve very well in close combat situations. It shows some honest signs of use and age, but considering it's a century old, it remains in what in my opinion at least, is very presentable, collectible condition. Whether it came stateside with a doughboy in WWI or with an ETO G.I. in WWII is lost to me, however this is a very solid estate find, being offered here for the first time. This will make a very nice addition to any collection of Imperial Austrian or German (Central Powers) Great War militaria, and from my experience at least, these don't surface very often. Don't miss this example!
Buyer is responsible for actual postage costs, to be tabulated at close of sale based on buyers location and method shipped* (**typically via USPS Priority Mail which may include insurance and / or signature confirmation fees). Payment is expected within 48 hours of buyers receipt of invoice, however please DO NOT REMIT PAYMENT PRIOR TO RECEIPT OF INVOICE. Ma. residents are responsible for state sales tax of 6.25%. Due to the nature of this item (edged weapon), sale is restricted to United States shipping addresses only. Lastly, buyer must be at least 21 years of age to purchase. Thank you.
Buyer is responsible for actual postage costs, to be tabulated at close of sale based on buyers location and method shipped* (**typically via USPS Priority Mail which may include insurance and / or signature confirmation fees). Payment is expected within 48 hours of buyers receipt of invoice, however please DO NOT REMIT PAYMENT PRIOR TO RECEIPT OF INVOICE. Ma. residents are responsible for state sales tax of 6.25%. Due to the nature of this item (edged weapon), sale is restricted to United States shipping addresses only. Lastly, buyer must be at least 21 years of age to purchase. Thank you.
