This scarce model 1829 Kingdom of Wurttemberg Faschinenmesser is unit marked to the Grenadier-Regiment "König Karl" (5. Württembergisches) Nr. 123 and has its original matching unit marked scabbard.
These fascine knives were issued to infantry regiments for use in both close quarters battle and as a general-purpose knife. It was often used for cutting brush to make gabions and fascines – hence its name.
The heavy 470mm single-edged blade has a flat spine and terminates in a hatchet point with a 130mm upper false edge. The blade is in good condition with use-related scratches and minor speckles of tarnish and small edge nicks.
The steel crosspiece bears the unit mark: 123.R.H.156. This unit marking is repeated on the frog stud of the scabbard. The front of the crosspiece is stamped 3.2.20. The obverse of the crosspiece bears the numeral 89.
The steel mounted leather scabbard is in good condition with the stitching intact and strong. The leather has crazing to the original finish along with other age and use related marks. The leather remains strong. The elongated frog stud on the locket bears the matching unit markings; 123.R.H.156.
The Faschinenmesser sheathes perfectly into the scabbard and is held firmly.
This is a well above average example of a scarce Kingdom of Wurttemberg 1829 fascine knife complete with its original matching numbered scabbard.
