online Militaria dealer - Antique-Militaria [UK]
magnify icon Search militaria Medals - Arms - Militaria
Home icon Antique Militaria Home for the SEs and the curious Site map People shaking hands icon Historic comments
Title KuK hussar's sabre, 1768 model
Nationality Austrian
Period c 1770
Sold

This sword may well be an earlier model, but all the books I have indicate that it's the 1768 pattern. This was carried by Austro-Hungarian light cavalry units throughout the wars of Maria Theresa against Frederick the Great and, on occasion, the French. It probably saw service right up to the early 19th century, when the 1803 model replaced it.

Austrian troopers' swords of the 18th century are on the rare side because they got scrapped and turned in for newer models, whereas Austrian officers' swords survived in greater quantity, being private purchase items. The etched double eagle on both sides of the blade is effectively the Austrian ordnance mark.

The blade measures 83cm and may have lost a couple of centimetres at the most. The throat is missing completely, as is a single langet on the hilt. Half the grip is missing; however, what is there is unquestionably the original. The scabbard is fairly crudely made and the seam has opened up in several places on the leading edge. The scabbard has some fairly severe rust patination mixed with old paint. The metal of the hilt would appear to be in slightly better shape. However, this is far from being a relic status sword as the blade is still in nice shape for its age, with a certain amount of surface patina scattered throughout. Perhaps I am biased, being half Austrian, but I always grab Austrian material when it turns up, even when it's in a bit of a state like this one. Having said that, this is the first time in 40 years of dealing that I have had an 18th-century Austrian trooper's sabre in my hands.

If you want to comment on this item—re quality, age, etc—please email me.


[Edged Weapons : Swords : Austrian : 18th Century]

testimonials

The painting of Alexander Pock is restored and meanwhile at his new owner, who is very content.

Thank you for your assistance to get it to Germany.

U S, Germany, 27.12.2012

It got here this morning, presumably delayed by the holidays. It is perfect, indeed better than I was expecting.

G W, USA, 11.01.2012

more...