The ''Blucher'' sabre and its spawns: 1811 to 1939
Jun 1, 2018 4:16:01 GMT
Post by Pino on Jun 1, 2018 4:16:01 GMT
There are some swords in this world that have become legendary because of their successful longevity: the German ''Blucher'' sabre is most certainly one of these that deserves a whole rack of books as a tribute to its epicness.
I always wanted to study its design and evolution since 1811, finally got the last piece of the puzzle with the very rare M1848 and compare the models used in about 120 years of continued service within the German Empires.
Generation 1: Blucher Sabel 1809-1848
This sabre needs little to no introduction since almost everybody is familiar with the Prussian 1811 ‘’Bluchersabel’’ sword, nicknamed like so after General Blucher, Napoleon’s most energetic opponent. Because of shortage of weapons and limitations imposed by the French, Prussian troops relied extensively on British goods to supply themselves and the LC1796 must have made a great impression because it was directly copied to produce the 1811 model.
The Prussian sabre was pretty much a sturdier version of the British 1796 LC sword it copied; it’s hilt was made thicker and heavier and the scabbard drag was of different shape. The rest kept the same attributes as the British counterpart: beefy hatchet point blade, iron made P-shaped hilt with half langets with rectangular sword knot slot and ribbed leather covered wood core grip. Initial production started only in 1814 after Napoleon’s defeat at Leipzig and when the sword manufactures were now in Prussian hands.
The saber was equipped by Hussars, Uhlans, Dragoons, horse Artillerie and the mounted Train units. It was relieved from service in the cavalry on January 8, 1857 as it was replaced by the model M1852.
Even though later replacements were issued this 1811 mode was still in service in 1870 as backup weaponry in artillery depot and even as late as 1918 as proved by this very interesting specimen in the pics which shows that even as late as WW1 older models were in active service: in addition to its many regimental postings the lower scabbard ring was removed to keep up with post-1879 regulations.
This formidable veteran has clearly seen a lot of action in its lifetime: it has no less than 6 unit postings! All were obliterated when it was moved to another unit and the last one is identified as E.J._16. which is Etappen Inspektion (I Armeekorps), weapon no 16.
Etappen were military controlled areas that administered all aspects of life in the occupied lands (civil population, agriculture, industry). Etappen Inspektion had under their direct command military establishments and units to whom they planned and provided administrative, supply and command. In short they were an HQ presiding over all HQs (divisional or brigade level) of the area.
Generation 2: ArtillerieSabel c.1848-1873
Between the massive 1811 and the later 1873-96 sabre there is a lesser known, rarer model that existed and often referred to as the alter Art artilleriesabel (old style sabre). Under some sources, namely A. Kulinski, we can also interpret it as the artilleriesabel M1848.
This very rare sword is pretty much a downsized upgrade of the 1811 model as the sword lost weight and its blade changed drastically, it was less beefy and a standard spear point replaced the hatchet one. The grip remained wood covered with leather and kept the exact P-shaped knuckle bow with rectangular sword knot slot.
The markings system remained unchanged and the front langet + back of the blade were still dated and stamped with regimental markings that are 5.A.4.60 which is Artillerie-regiment no. 5, 4th battery, weapon no 60.
The front langet is stamped with the inspection marks FW (reign of Frederick-Wilhem IV) and date of 48, the same as encountered on the back of the blade.
Unlike its big brother this one was exclusively issued to artillery units until the last quarter of the the century when it underwent a new look.
Generation 3: Mannschaftsabel ArtillerieSabel neuer/Art c.1873-96
Following the victory over France in 1871 the newly form German Empire sought to reform and reorganize its army and equipment; new swords were starting to be developed during this decade among which the Kurassier sword 1876, the uhlan saber 1873 and the Mannshaftsabel Artilleriesabel Neuer art (New Style artillery trooper sabre).
There seems to be some confusion with the name of the artillery sable, it is frequently called the M73 but it seems this was only for the uhlan sabres and the real name of the artillery sabre could thus be M96 because it was this year it was officially introduced. The problem is that it’s still unclear if the sword directly appeared like so in 1896 or if it underwent a long transformation going from 1873 to 1896.
As a result of this I think it's best not to associate it with any date for model name; let's just go with the German way and call it the N/a sabre or New Style Sword. You might ask why it is called the Mannshaftsabel instead of the Preussensabel? Its because after the unification this sword was issued not only to Prussia but the other states, except Bavaria, Wurttemberg and Saxony who had their own equivalents.
This new model was pretty much a shortened version of the 1848 model: first the blade was shortened, then the scabbard’s second ring was removed and instead was added a side loop. First production swords had markings stamped on the front langet in the same way as the previous models; later on it was marked in a line on the cross guard above the langet until 1916 when this was halted completely. M1896s first had a wood grip covered in leather before they were changed to bakelite or full wood grips. Scabbards were iron made before being made of parkerized manganese.
Lastly, to give quality control coherence, every fitting of these specimen was stamped with an inspection mark (from the blade right up to the pommel nut) and even the scabbard throat was to have the matching weapon no of the hilt.
This sword belonged to the unit F.M.XVIII.4.30. which was Feld-artillerie Munition colonne ArmeeKorps 18, 4th squadron, weapon no 30.
Feld-Art. Means these were directly attached to the big Howitzer guns and mortars. This one was issued in 1897 as stamped on the back of the ricasso.
Up until WW1 this sword would be issued to all support/supply and artillery units of all German states armies. Because of its high production rate it is one of the most easily encountered swords in the market.
Generation 4: Reichswehr ArtillerieSabel n/A 1914-1945
Without a certain change in its design, this last generation would not have been included here because it is basically the same thing as the one above. But sometime during WW1 the sword knot hole was removed.
Following the defeat of WW1 German military History was wiped out in a horrible way as regiments were disbanded en masse to comply with the despicable Treaty of Versailles. Not until 1920 was the newly composed Reichwehr army/defense force reformed and refitted: the N/A model was deemed the most practical and suitable weapon for all mounted units. This is thus how the descendant of the 1811 Bluchersabel made its way back, a hundred years later, to cavalry regiments along mounted artillery + support units.
It certainly seems to have done a very decent/satisfying job because even after the reorganization of the Wehrmacht in 1933 that rebuilt the army this M96 was yet again kept as the sole official sword for the mounted units until the end of the 3rd Reich.
Since there was no more war to prepare for the fittings were kept without applied paint; regimental markings were now reapplied for the newly created regiments. The sword is marked to 3/R.R.6.37. which stands for 3rd squadron, Reiter regiment no 6. weapon no 37. A unit history that is far more than meets the eye!
Following WW1 all cavalry regiments were disbanded but their regimental traditions survived within the newly formed regiments that took over their legacy, thus all squadrons of the Reiter regiments were made up of the remnants of Imperial cavalry units.
In this case, Reiter rgt no. 6 was created on March 29 1920 then finally renamed on March 23 1921 and its squadrons were created from the following former units:
1st squadron: Pomeranian cuirassier rgt no.2
2nd squadron: Brandenburg Dragoon rgt 2
3rd squadron: Neumark Grenadier-zu-pferde no 3 (raised in 1704, dragoon rgt with an elite status)
4th squadron: Jager-zu-pferd no 6
Ausbildungs (traning) squadron: 2nd Brandenburg Dragoon rgt 12
6th squadron: Pomeranian uhlan rgt no.9
The final chapter: under the Third Reich
Following the change of regime in 1935, the regiment was modified a final time when it was renamed to Kavallerie-Regiment no.6 before being disbanded as cavalry unit when the war broke anew in 1939. Its elements were then reformed to Aufklärungs-abteilung (Reconnaissance divisions) 33, 34, 36 and 79 and traded their horses for the SDKFZs and SPG vehicles. A/abt 33 was the recce component of the famed Afrika Korps as its last feat of arms.
A bit of history about the R.R nr.6.
Conclusion
The 1811 sabre sure is one of those swords that, with continuous transformation, certainly did pass the test of time as it proved to be a reliable model for more than 100years of existence within the German Army. In terms of awesomeness this is one sword that has a f**ken lot of it, even though it changed form all these managed to stay gorgeous, fresh and a joy to handle; pure German engineering at its best!
Chronology
1809: Prussian army equipped with 1796
1814: production starts for the 1811 sabre
1848: artillery sword starts to be issued
1873-96: transformed ''Neuer art'' sabre issued
1914-18: WW1 & last transformation
1920: n/Art artillerie sabre becomes the de facto service sword for Post-WW1 Germany
Other dates
1905: black paint applied to fittings and scabbard
1916: use of regimental markings ceased
1933: Reorganization under the 3rd Reich
1939: Transformation from cavalry units to motorized vehicles
SPEX
1811
length: 39'' / 99cm
sword: 37'' / 94cm
blade: 32'' / 82cm
total weight: 4.09lbs / 2072gr
weight of sword: 2.04lbs / 1031gr
Alter Art. 1848/49
length: 40.5'' / 103cm
sword: 39.5'' / 100c
blade: 34.5'' / 88cm
total weight: 3.15lbs / 1787gr
weight of sword: 2.023lbs / 975gr
Neue Art. 1873-96
length: 36'' / 92cm
sword: 35'' / 89cm
blade: 30'' / 76cm
total weight: 3.14lbs / 1760gr
weight of sword: 2.023lbs / 988gr
N/a - Post WW1
length: 36'' / 92cm
sword: 35'' / 89cm
blade: 30'' / 76cm
total weight: 3.13lbs / 1755gr
weight of sword: 2.02lbs / 975gr
I always wanted to study its design and evolution since 1811, finally got the last piece of the puzzle with the very rare M1848 and compare the models used in about 120 years of continued service within the German Empires.
Generation 1: Blucher Sabel 1809-1848
This sabre needs little to no introduction since almost everybody is familiar with the Prussian 1811 ‘’Bluchersabel’’ sword, nicknamed like so after General Blucher, Napoleon’s most energetic opponent. Because of shortage of weapons and limitations imposed by the French, Prussian troops relied extensively on British goods to supply themselves and the LC1796 must have made a great impression because it was directly copied to produce the 1811 model.
The Prussian sabre was pretty much a sturdier version of the British 1796 LC sword it copied; it’s hilt was made thicker and heavier and the scabbard drag was of different shape. The rest kept the same attributes as the British counterpart: beefy hatchet point blade, iron made P-shaped hilt with half langets with rectangular sword knot slot and ribbed leather covered wood core grip. Initial production started only in 1814 after Napoleon’s defeat at Leipzig and when the sword manufactures were now in Prussian hands.
The saber was equipped by Hussars, Uhlans, Dragoons, horse Artillerie and the mounted Train units. It was relieved from service in the cavalry on January 8, 1857 as it was replaced by the model M1852.
Even though later replacements were issued this 1811 mode was still in service in 1870 as backup weaponry in artillery depot and even as late as 1918 as proved by this very interesting specimen in the pics which shows that even as late as WW1 older models were in active service: in addition to its many regimental postings the lower scabbard ring was removed to keep up with post-1879 regulations.
This formidable veteran has clearly seen a lot of action in its lifetime: it has no less than 6 unit postings! All were obliterated when it was moved to another unit and the last one is identified as E.J._16. which is Etappen Inspektion (I Armeekorps), weapon no 16.
Etappen were military controlled areas that administered all aspects of life in the occupied lands (civil population, agriculture, industry). Etappen Inspektion had under their direct command military establishments and units to whom they planned and provided administrative, supply and command. In short they were an HQ presiding over all HQs (divisional or brigade level) of the area.
Generation 2: ArtillerieSabel c.1848-1873
Between the massive 1811 and the later 1873-96 sabre there is a lesser known, rarer model that existed and often referred to as the alter Art artilleriesabel (old style sabre). Under some sources, namely A. Kulinski, we can also interpret it as the artilleriesabel M1848.
This very rare sword is pretty much a downsized upgrade of the 1811 model as the sword lost weight and its blade changed drastically, it was less beefy and a standard spear point replaced the hatchet one. The grip remained wood covered with leather and kept the exact P-shaped knuckle bow with rectangular sword knot slot.
The markings system remained unchanged and the front langet + back of the blade were still dated and stamped with regimental markings that are 5.A.4.60 which is Artillerie-regiment no. 5, 4th battery, weapon no 60.
The front langet is stamped with the inspection marks FW (reign of Frederick-Wilhem IV) and date of 48, the same as encountered on the back of the blade.
Unlike its big brother this one was exclusively issued to artillery units until the last quarter of the the century when it underwent a new look.
Generation 3: Mannschaftsabel ArtillerieSabel neuer/Art c.1873-96
Following the victory over France in 1871 the newly form German Empire sought to reform and reorganize its army and equipment; new swords were starting to be developed during this decade among which the Kurassier sword 1876, the uhlan saber 1873 and the Mannshaftsabel Artilleriesabel Neuer art (New Style artillery trooper sabre).
There seems to be some confusion with the name of the artillery sable, it is frequently called the M73 but it seems this was only for the uhlan sabres and the real name of the artillery sabre could thus be M96 because it was this year it was officially introduced. The problem is that it’s still unclear if the sword directly appeared like so in 1896 or if it underwent a long transformation going from 1873 to 1896.
As a result of this I think it's best not to associate it with any date for model name; let's just go with the German way and call it the N/a sabre or New Style Sword. You might ask why it is called the Mannshaftsabel instead of the Preussensabel? Its because after the unification this sword was issued not only to Prussia but the other states, except Bavaria, Wurttemberg and Saxony who had their own equivalents.
This new model was pretty much a shortened version of the 1848 model: first the blade was shortened, then the scabbard’s second ring was removed and instead was added a side loop. First production swords had markings stamped on the front langet in the same way as the previous models; later on it was marked in a line on the cross guard above the langet until 1916 when this was halted completely. M1896s first had a wood grip covered in leather before they were changed to bakelite or full wood grips. Scabbards were iron made before being made of parkerized manganese.
Lastly, to give quality control coherence, every fitting of these specimen was stamped with an inspection mark (from the blade right up to the pommel nut) and even the scabbard throat was to have the matching weapon no of the hilt.
This sword belonged to the unit F.M.XVIII.4.30. which was Feld-artillerie Munition colonne ArmeeKorps 18, 4th squadron, weapon no 30.
Feld-Art. Means these were directly attached to the big Howitzer guns and mortars. This one was issued in 1897 as stamped on the back of the ricasso.
Up until WW1 this sword would be issued to all support/supply and artillery units of all German states armies. Because of its high production rate it is one of the most easily encountered swords in the market.
Generation 4: Reichswehr ArtillerieSabel n/A 1914-1945
Without a certain change in its design, this last generation would not have been included here because it is basically the same thing as the one above. But sometime during WW1 the sword knot hole was removed.
Following the defeat of WW1 German military History was wiped out in a horrible way as regiments were disbanded en masse to comply with the despicable Treaty of Versailles. Not until 1920 was the newly composed Reichwehr army/defense force reformed and refitted: the N/A model was deemed the most practical and suitable weapon for all mounted units. This is thus how the descendant of the 1811 Bluchersabel made its way back, a hundred years later, to cavalry regiments along mounted artillery + support units.
It certainly seems to have done a very decent/satisfying job because even after the reorganization of the Wehrmacht in 1933 that rebuilt the army this M96 was yet again kept as the sole official sword for the mounted units until the end of the 3rd Reich.
Since there was no more war to prepare for the fittings were kept without applied paint; regimental markings were now reapplied for the newly created regiments. The sword is marked to 3/R.R.6.37. which stands for 3rd squadron, Reiter regiment no 6. weapon no 37. A unit history that is far more than meets the eye!
Following WW1 all cavalry regiments were disbanded but their regimental traditions survived within the newly formed regiments that took over their legacy, thus all squadrons of the Reiter regiments were made up of the remnants of Imperial cavalry units.
In this case, Reiter rgt no. 6 was created on March 29 1920 then finally renamed on March 23 1921 and its squadrons were created from the following former units:
1st squadron: Pomeranian cuirassier rgt no.2
2nd squadron: Brandenburg Dragoon rgt 2
3rd squadron: Neumark Grenadier-zu-pferde no 3 (raised in 1704, dragoon rgt with an elite status)
4th squadron: Jager-zu-pferd no 6
Ausbildungs (traning) squadron: 2nd Brandenburg Dragoon rgt 12
6th squadron: Pomeranian uhlan rgt no.9
The final chapter: under the Third Reich
Following the change of regime in 1935, the regiment was modified a final time when it was renamed to Kavallerie-Regiment no.6 before being disbanded as cavalry unit when the war broke anew in 1939. Its elements were then reformed to Aufklärungs-abteilung (Reconnaissance divisions) 33, 34, 36 and 79 and traded their horses for the SDKFZs and SPG vehicles. A/abt 33 was the recce component of the famed Afrika Korps as its last feat of arms.
A bit of history about the R.R nr.6.
Conclusion
The 1811 sabre sure is one of those swords that, with continuous transformation, certainly did pass the test of time as it proved to be a reliable model for more than 100years of existence within the German Army. In terms of awesomeness this is one sword that has a f**ken lot of it, even though it changed form all these managed to stay gorgeous, fresh and a joy to handle; pure German engineering at its best!
Chronology
1809: Prussian army equipped with 1796
1814: production starts for the 1811 sabre
1848: artillery sword starts to be issued
1873-96: transformed ''Neuer art'' sabre issued
1914-18: WW1 & last transformation
1920: n/Art artillerie sabre becomes the de facto service sword for Post-WW1 Germany
Other dates
1905: black paint applied to fittings and scabbard
1916: use of regimental markings ceased
1933: Reorganization under the 3rd Reich
1939: Transformation from cavalry units to motorized vehicles
SPEX
1811
length: 39'' / 99cm
sword: 37'' / 94cm
blade: 32'' / 82cm
total weight: 4.09lbs / 2072gr
weight of sword: 2.04lbs / 1031gr
Alter Art. 1848/49
length: 40.5'' / 103cm
sword: 39.5'' / 100c
blade: 34.5'' / 88cm
total weight: 3.15lbs / 1787gr
weight of sword: 2.023lbs / 975gr
Neue Art. 1873-96
length: 36'' / 92cm
sword: 35'' / 89cm
blade: 30'' / 76cm
total weight: 3.14lbs / 1760gr
weight of sword: 2.023lbs / 988gr
N/a - Post WW1
length: 36'' / 92cm
sword: 35'' / 89cm
blade: 30'' / 76cm
total weight: 3.13lbs / 1755gr
weight of sword: 2.02lbs / 975gr
I'll have to die first before getting rid of these, perhaps we could settle a death duel and winner takes all?
