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Post by waterwolf on Sept 4, 2023 18:59:48 GMT
Could someone identify this Swiss sabre? I know it is Swiss but do not know the model number or the approximate date of manufacture. I see no other markings than the ones I have photographed. Thank you.       |
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Post by Sir Thorfinn on Sept 4, 2023 21:56:37 GMT
Does the scabbard have any numbers?
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Post by pellius on Sept 4, 2023 23:09:36 GMT
Looks like a Swiss Model 1896 Cavalry Trooper's Saber made in 1937 to me.
Nice saber.
Also, welcome to the forum
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Post by jimmythedonut on Sept 5, 2023 1:09:06 GMT
Yup 1896/02, the first models had an unbent back of the guard but soldiers complained about being poked. Great first sabres, that's what my first sabre was. Hopefully you don't get bitten by the Swiss bug because those 1867 cavalry sabres are gonna consume your life hunting one down!
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Post by pellius on Sept 5, 2023 2:49:17 GMT
Ha
What Jimmy said
Those Swissies are nice
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Post by waterwolf on Sept 5, 2023 8:16:54 GMT
Thank you very much for the information.
1937 seems like a very late date to still be making cavalry sabres. When did production end?
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Post by jimmythedonut on Sept 5, 2023 10:15:52 GMT
Thank you very much for the information. 1937 seems like a very late date to still be making cavalry sabres. When did production end? IIRC the 1899 Officers Sabre was phased out in 1943 for a Baselard dagger to carry a la a certain group of jack booted individuals. Though it should be noted the Swiss have far more of a regional claim to it than those funny mustachio'd war criminals. As for the 1896/02 I can't be sure but I would assume sometime around then or the end of world war II? I have a photo below dated 1943 in which an 1896/02 is clearly visible on a rather unique-wartime emergency piece of military equipment:  |
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Post by waterwolf on Sept 5, 2023 12:53:49 GMT
My Swiss Arms (SIG, SAN) SHR 970 9.3x62 (c. 1998- 2002) was also made in Neuhausen...that is actually why I bought the sabre.   |
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Post by pellius on Sept 5, 2023 14:23:21 GMT
Nice
I have a Swiss ‘67 cav trooper saber made by SIG.
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Post by snubnoze on Feb 8, 2024 18:13:19 GMT
I figured I'd piggy back off this thread to see if anyone can help with identifying another Swiss.
I THOUGHT I had them all figured out then came across a cheap e-bay score on one that has a blade type I haven't seen before.
It looks like a M1899 Officer which I have, but instead of a straight blade it has a curved blade with double fullers. I haven't received it but it does look like its bigger than the M1899 Officer I have, so I presume it's a M1899 Cavalry Officer which I wasn't aware they made. Let me know what you guys think:
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Post by jimmythedonut on Feb 8, 2024 20:44:51 GMT
I figured I'd piggy back off this thread to see if anyone can help with identifying another Swiss.
I THOUGHT I had them all figured out then came across a cheap e-bay score on one that has a blade type I haven't seen before.
It looks like a M1899 Officer which I have, but instead of a straight blade it has a curved blade with double fullers. I haven't received it but it does look like its bigger than the M1899 Officer I have, so I presume it's a M1899 Cavalry Officer which I wasn't aware they made. Let me know what you guys think:
I personally would call that an 1899 Gala Degen. It has a Toledo blade which is really interesting. But you did see grip ears on some of the 1899s which I believe indicates being a cavalry officer despite the swords otherwise being the same. This pattern does have the most variance and I'd almost go so far as to call this a combat sabre disguised as a gala degen per the blades, since they NORMALLY are more vestigial and fancier, below is a similar galadegen example. What also makes yours also unique is I'd almost initially assumed it to be Austrian with the rivets ground flat, I cant say I have seen that before. I don't see a thumb rest either and while I see what I THINK is the Swiss cross cartouche (from the reverse) on the first image towards the bottom, without seeing the rest of the sword there is a non-zero chance this could be an Austrian or Hessian or Wurttemberg as well!  ![]() |
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Post by pellius on Feb 8, 2024 22:27:39 GMT
I, too, would’ve guessed Austrian.
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Post by snubnoze on Feb 9, 2024 4:50:53 GMT
 It's a Swiss gaurd for sure. Listed as 1899 but the guard looks closer to my 1867 but the grip shape more like 1899. Great points, I didn't even notice until now that it was missing the thumb rest and had the rivets smoothed out, which would make me think it was Austrian, or maybe Baden/Wuttenburg but the cross on the guard throws that off. The peen doesn't look tampered with so I don't think it's a composite. Really odd sabre, but right up my alley. I just stumbled on it on eBay with no bidders and snagged it for $215 shipped! Just shipped today from Croatia, excited to get it in my hands as I do have quite a few Swiss and Austrians to compare with. |
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Post by pellius on Feb 9, 2024 14:33:16 GMT
Nice score, btw.
The guard is very clearly Swiss.
Check the blade for a Swiss Cross stamp.
My understanding is that, during this time period, functional Swiss blades (and scabbards) all received such a stamp.
A photo of the peen might be helpful. I would still lean toward hybrid, even if the blade has a Swiss Cross stamp. That grip just looks Austrian to me.
Still, I’m not anywhere close to being an expert. I look forward to learning more about your very interesting saber. Thank you for sharing!
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Post by snubnoze on Feb 9, 2024 16:54:07 GMT
I'll update with some more details when it arrives. From the listing images It doesn't appear to have a stamp on the blade, which you would expect from a Swiss. The back strap does seem Austrian. If it's a composite it's at least using a bunch of features that I like. The blade seems pretty substantial from the pics but will know better when it's in hand.
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Post by pellius on Feb 9, 2024 21:32:25 GMT
That looks like sharkskin shagreen rather than ray skin. My impression (which I have frustratingly been unable to confirm) is that sharkskin became illegal or unavailable quite a while back. So even if it’s a hybrid, it looks like a factory / historical one rather than a frankensaber.
The pommel, single twist wire, ears, back strap, and grip shape just don’t quite seem Swiss. Nonetheless, if this turns out to be a pattern rather than a one-off, my small Swiss collection might be too incomplete to tolerate. I, too, think your saber has many nice features. I may have to start another search…
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Post by snubnoze on Feb 22, 2024 19:25:46 GMT
It showed up just now. I don't think it's an actual pattern. There isn't any markings on the blade and it was re-peened at some point. Perhaps a gala degen built to be more substantial, but likely its a frankensabre. Austrian grip, Swiss guard, and Toledo blade.
Either way, I really like it. I'd compare it most to the 1867 Officer with the pipeback blade in terms of handling. Light and very fast, but doesn't feel wimpy and could be used as a fighting sabre for sure.
Nice addition to my collection of symmetrical bowl guard sabres which are my favorite, and I didn't pay much for it.
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