A scarce Austro-Hungarian WW1 short sword designated as Model 1915. The M1915 was issued to infantry pioneers and machinegun crews. As with all the pioneer’s swords, it was intended for use as both a tool and a weapon.
The 395mm, heavy, single-edged blade has a flat spine. The blade is un-fullered and terminates in a spear point. The spine is 7mm thick at the shoulder, tapering only slightly to 5mm before becoming double-edged for the last 90mm. At 40mm wide, the blade is heavy and designed for chopping.
The blade is in good condition with a few tiny edge nicks, a pale age patina and some sharpening and use related scratches. The forte is stamped with the makers’ details, “H. Zelinka, Wien (Vienna). The obverse bears an Austrian eagle stamp.
The hardwood grip scales are in excellent condition and are fixed firmly in place by three steel pins. The elongated “S” shaped steel cross-guard is also in great condition.
The sword is complete with its original steel scabbard which retains most of its original black finish.
This is a great example of a scarce pioneer’s sword from World War One and the last years of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
