Antique WWI Imperial German Prussian Sword Artillery Saber M.1848 M1896 (Preußen Garde-Artillerie-Säbel für Mannschaften)

Antique WWI Imperial German – Prussian artillery sword – saber M.1848 - M.1873- M1896 (Preußen Garde-Artillerie-Säbel für Mannschaften) so-called "Blüchersäbel." This name refers to the legendary saber of the Prussian cavalry M.1811 and received the unofficial name "Bluchersabel" from the famous Prussian marshal Blucher. He earned his greatest recognition after leading his army against Napoleon I at the Battle of the Nations at Leipzig in 1813 and the Battle of Waterloo in 1815.

Blackened steel hilt, including "P" form guard with downturned quilon, and pair of langets in the form of the shields. Ribbed bakelite grip, the back strap is riveted to the sides of the grip and screwed on the pommel to the blade's tang.

The reverse languet bears the number 243 2, and the back strap is stamped with the crown over the Gothic "E" mark of the Prussian Royal Arsenal at Erfurt.

The hilt ferrule is stamped with a Gothic "E." The inner and outer sides of the crossguard are also stamped with the Gothic letter "E."

A sturdy, slightly curved single-edged blade with full length fuller, double-edged toward the point, stamped on the spine with the number 442 and the inspection stamps (waffenampt) - an Imperial crown over the "W'' (Kaiser Wilhelm's initial), over a date mark which is worn out, possibly it is "16", denoting the year 1916.

The spine is stamped with the crown over the gothic "E" mark of the Prussian Royal Arsenal at Erfurt.

The ricasso is marked in reverse with the maker's mark, "Weyersberg, Kirschbaum & Cie. Solingen" (the languet mostly obscures this).

On the throat and the shoe of a blackened steel scabbard with a suspension ring is stamped a crown over the Gothic "E" mark of the Prussian Royal Arsenal in Erfurt.

CONDITION: the sword is in good condition, considering its age of 100 years. The steel hilt and scabbard retain their original blackened finish. Crack in the grip but stable, the tip of the blade with an old sharpening. The blackening on the hilt and scabbard are in good condition, with wear consistent with use and age. In 1909, regulations required that all hilts and scabbards for the M.1873 saber be blackened. The saber sheathes and draws well and is held firmly within the scabbard.

Please see all photos in the listing, as they are part of the item's condition description.

MEASUREMENTS:

Overall length with scabbard: 92 cm (36.22 inches).

Length of the sword without scabbard: 88 cm (34.65 inches).

Length of the blade: 74.5 cm (29.33 inches).

The sword is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity.