A German 1845 pattern Faschinenmesser, the short sword carried by German and Saxon pioneers. The scabbard and the guard are both unit marked, but the supplier notes the marks are to different units, so they are not a matched set. The scabbard is in good condition. The blade shows some light etching and is turning a gray and brown patina. It is sold as used and catalogued with bayonets.

Unit-marked pioneer sidearms are a steady interest for Illinois collectors of German militaria, and the stampings here give you something to research against regimental lists. Note the mismatched marks before you buy if a matched sword and scabbard matters to you. The patina on the blade is best left alone; a light wipe of oil will slow it without erasing what is there. A piece like this hangs well on a wall or lies in a case with other German edged weapons.

Key features

• German 1845 pattern Faschinenmesser
• German/Saxon pioneer short sword
• Scabbard and guard unit marked, different units
• Scabbard good; blade gray and brown patina

Ships to your Illinois door as an antique edged weapon, scabbard fitted.