When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
WWI Austro-Hungarian M1862 Pioneer Short Sword Faschinenmesser Scabbard Marked:
$644.00
- Original Austro-Hungarian Imperial Model 1862 Pioneer Short Sword (Faschinenmesser) with Original Leather & Metal ScabbarUp for sale is an original Austro-Hungarian Model 1862 Pioneer Short Sword (Faschinenmesser). This heavy, rugged weapon type was issued to specialized combat engineers, artillery crews, and pioneering sections as both a powerful close-quarters sidearm and a vital structural field tool to clear obstacles, cut wood, and build field fortifications under fire.This particular specimen carries exceptional collector interest due to its dual unit markings on the crossguard, featuring an armorer-cancelled (struck-through) designation on one side and an active designation on the other. This physically documents two distinct periods of military inventory assignment within the Austro-Hungarian Empire.📐 SPECIFICATIONS & DIMENSIONS:
- Total Weight (With Scabbard): 3 lbs 9 oz
- Total Length (In Scabbard): 25 5/8 inches
- Sword Overall Length: 24 1/8 inches
- Blade Length: 18 1/4 inches
- Blade Width (At Widest Point): 2 3/16 inches
- Scabbard Length: 19 1/8 inches
⚔️ BLADE MARKINGS & PROVENANCE:- The Blade Maker: Features the crisp \"Sovereign\'s Orb\" (Reichsapfel) stamp down the center ricasso—the distinct trademark of the elite Zelinka blade manufacturing family in Spital am Semmering, Austria.
- The Contractor: Stamped FERD. FRWIRTH (Ferdinand Fruwirth, Vienna), the primary Imperial government contractor who sourced the raw blade from Zelinka and finished assembly for the military.
- Steel Grade: Stamped GF (Gussstahl), verifying the blade was forged from high-grade refined cast crucible steel rather than common iron.
- State Proof: Displays the Austrian Double-Headed Imperial Eagle official state acceptance mark.
🪖 REREGISTRATION & REGIMENTAL UNIT CONTEXT:The crossguard bears clear historical markings representing two separate inventory periods. While the exact timeline, cause of reassignment, and individual deployment history of this specific weapon cannot be independently verified, the stamps align perfectly with two prominent Imperial infantry units:- Initial Period (The Cancelled Stamp): Stamped 55. R. 2. with an armorer\'s line struck straight through it. This marking is consistent with initial inventory assignment to the 2nd Company of Infanterieregiment Nr. 55 (recruited primarily from Galicia with an ethnic composition of roughly 80% Ukrainian troops, headquartered out of Brzeżany). The regiment went on to serve heavily on the Eastern Front against the Imperial Russian Army during World War I.
- Subsequent Period (The Active Stamp): Stamped 22. R. 4. 17. on the opposite side of the guard, indicating a weapon inventory rack number of #17 within the 4th Company of Infanterieregiment Nr. 22. Historically, this regiment\'s recruitment district was Sinj, and in early 1914 its headquarters and several battalions were stationed at Mostar (with the I Battalion at Sinj). The regiment was historically composed of approximately 82% Croats/Serbs and 10% Slovenes, later serving across the Balkan, Italian (Isonzo), and Tyrolean fronts.
🔍 CONDITION REPORT:- Blade: The heavy, wide-fullered blade remains structurally excellent, unsharpened post-military use, and features a gorgeous, deep smoky-grey aged patina with minor oxidation and light peppering consistent with its age.
- Hilt: The ergonomic wooden grip scales are tight, secure, and intact. The iron crossguard is rock solid with perfectly readable stamped unit text.
- Scabbard: Rare original leather-covered wooden scabbard is present. The iron throat and drag fittings are structurally sound. The leather shows honest age-related wear, stiffness, and authentic surface cracking, but it holds the blade securely.
- Buy It Now / Best Offer: This piece is priced at the premium end of the market to reflect its exceptional marking clarity and historical value. Reasonable offers from serious militaria collectors are welcome and will be considered promptly. Lowball offers are automatically filtered by the system.
- Shipping & Handling: Due to the weight and historical value of this item, it will be packaged securely in a heavy-duty box with ample padding. Tracking and full insurance are included in the shipping cost.
Please review all high-resolution photos carefully as they form the primary visual description of the item\'s condition. Global shipping is available where allowed by international customs rules. Ensure your local laws allow for the import of antique edged weapons before offerding.
|
