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Post by cluster2k on Jul 24, 2021 3:04:48 GMT
I would like some help with identifying this faschinenmesser in terms of who it was made by and where and when it was used. It's my first sword purchase and I am rather pleased with it. The condition is a bit poor but it was inexpensive. The identifying marks on the guard are "36.A." and "6.32." I assume these are battalion or regiment identifiers in the Prussian army, and that this sabre (well, knife) is from the mid 19th century. I would like to know what they actually mean. Blade is 64cm, hilt 12.5cm. The hilt possibly has a piece broken off, as there's a hole that looks like its had some sort of resin poured into it. There is a maker's mark on the blade but I cannot identify it. To me it looks like "N N T", possibly an O or D in there as well. Thank you very much.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 24, 2021 3:29:02 GMT
Welcome aboard.
I see a few variations of straight and curved Prussian 1864 swords but none with blades this long. In looking at the peen on the tang, it may well be a composite, with the blade originally from something else.
I have no idea who the mark represents.
Cheers GC
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Post by cluster2k on Jul 24, 2021 4:00:46 GMT
I see a few variations of straight and curved Prussian 1864 swords but none with blades this long. In looking at the peen on the tang, it may well be a composite, with the blade originally from something else. Hi, Thank you for your quick reply. I suspect you're right, that this is a composite. The fact that there appears to be a some clear resin at the base on the handle, and on one side where the blade enters the handle, suggests someone just glued two different parts together. Disappointing, but I didn't pay too much for this and I guess the item now becomes an interesting example of what not to buy. I had trouble identifying this sword as I couldn't find anything quite like it, and now I know why. The mark on the blade is difficult to see so perhaps I will never know where it came from. The sword was purchased from an online auctioneer that mainly deals with coins and stamps, with militaria on the side. Is it common for people to try to create composite swords? This particular item is not famous or valuable, so it's unlikely someone created it to deceive buyers for profit.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 24, 2021 4:22:54 GMT
Composites are quite common and at times, there is no way to know when it was done.
Cheers GC
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pgandy
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Post by pgandy on Jul 24, 2021 13:31:26 GMT
Sorry, I have no information on this sword other than confirming edelweiss’ statement that during this time it was common to switch blades so I wouldn’t be too quick to discount it.
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Post by cluster2k on Jul 24, 2021 16:17:01 GMT
Sorry, I have no information on this sword other than confirming edelweiss’ statement that during this time it was common to switch blades so I wouldn’t be too quick to discount it. Thank you for your reply. Hmm, interesting. I have no experience at all when it comes to swords, so your suggestion that the blade was changed is certainly plausible as well. Both the handle and blade are very well worn, suggesting they may have been brought together long ago. I guess I'll never know. As for the markings of 36.A. and 6.32., from my reading it suggests at least the handle itself belonged to an artillery regiment. What would the 36 and 6.32 signify? Other faschinenmessers I've seen had multiple sets of numbers, and one or more were often struck out.
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Post by cluster2k on Jul 25, 2021 7:20:56 GMT
After digging around Google a bit more I think I can answer my own question. I found the following video helpful in identifying the numbers, and hopefully I have it correct: Field Artillery, 36th regiment, 6th company, weapon 32. According to this list, it was a regiment raised in 1890 and based in Danzig. If correct, this is a rather pleasant surprise as I was born in Gdansk. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Imperial_German_artillery_regimentsThe blade has probably been replaced at some point but the handle is still nice to have.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 25, 2021 12:10:40 GMT
Yes, I had stumbled upon the same video at some point. The Prussian and German arms are not a big study for me but I recognize some of the basic forms enough to follow. The Millitary&Renaissance section here and showcase can reveal a great deal of material. There is a similar description in one pinned Prussian thread.
Most of my antiques don't share as much individual information, so it is however it is that we connect that is important.
Cheers GC
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