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This is the standard issue sword for the Prussian cavalry. Some 69 regiments carried this weapon, which, on the basis of approximately 740 men per regiment, gives a maximum of some 55,000 at issue in 1914. These figures come from a Prussian army list of 1914. This example is dated 1914 and marked 'F.H. HORSTER // SOLINGEN'. The blade is 2.5 inches shorter than the British 1908 pattern, which must have given our men a substantial advantage in the early days of WW1. The pipeback blade was a British invention, dating back, on curved swords, to the post-1815 period and, on straight bayonet blades, to the 1850s. This style obviously impressed the Prussians, who then proceeded to use it on their own swords and bayonets. This example has no regimental marks. It has been sharpened for field service and there are a few nicks in the edge here and there, but essentially it is in excellent condition for its age, the whole having been carefully hand cleaned. The patina of the scabbard is a pleasing mixture of the original blue finish together with natural patination, mostly the latter. The bottom quarter of the scabbard suffers from a little distortion and bruising from service wear. The bakolite grip is in excellent shape and the hilt is covered with ordnance inspection stamps throughout. There is a small patch of old pitting at the pommel, which I have left in place to show the age of the piece (it could easily be removed). These ordnance issue weapons are incresaingly hard to find, as against the private purchase pieces which occur more regularly on world websites when searching for a model 1889 Prussian trooper's sword. Not the same beast by any means, with soft blades, usually nickel plated, no good for serious combat! |
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