Medals & Coins, Arms & Armour - 14 Dec 2021
Three 19th century Austrian pioneer's swords: i) a model 1847 experimental pattern
Three 19th century Austrian pioneer's swords: i) a model 1847 experimental pattern, broad saw-back blade 20.5 in. with narrow fullers, brass guard with Turkish* mark to on quillon, two-piece horn grip, brass mounted leather scabbard; ii) a model 1853, broad single edged blade 18 in., with broad fuller to one side, ricasso with date mark for 1887 and 'OHLIGS' for maker Robert Klass, steel guard unit marked 'I.S.A.' over '676' (1 Sanitats Abteilung (1st Medical Division) sword number 676), two-piece horn grip, steel mounted leather scabbard; iii) a model 1915, heavy un-fullered blade 15 in., steel S-curve cross piece, wooden replacement grips, steel scabbard. [3]
*Trialled but not adopted into Austrian service, stocks of these weapons were sold to Turkey, and issued to pioneers as late as the First World War.