German. Prussian Model 1873 Artillery Sabre. WW1

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Prussian M73 Artillery Sabre German Artillery Sword German. Prussian Model 1873 Artillery Sabre. WW1 #3 German. Prussian Model 1873 Artillery Sabre. WW1 #4 German. Prussian Model 1873 Artillery Sabre. WW1 #5 World War One Prussian Artillery Sword Model 1873 German. Prussian Model 1873 Artillery Sabre. WW1 #7 German. Prussian Model 1873 Artillery Sabre. WW1 #8 German. Prussian Model 1873 Artillery Sabre. WW1 #9 German. Prussian Model 1873 Artillery Sabre. WW1 #10 German. Prussian Model 1873 Artillery Sabre. WW1 #11 German. Prussian Model 1873 Artillery Sabre. WW1 #12
German M1873 WW1 Prussian artilleryman’s sabre made by Weyersberg, Kirschbaum & Cie., Solingen, in 1914.

There were three patterns of the M73 sabre issued to enlisted artillerymen, those for the Prussians, the Bavarians and the Saxons. This sabre is the Prussian pattern.

The 756mm broad, curved blade has a flat spine with a wide single fuller on both sides and tapers to a spear point. The blade has a short, 100mm upper false edge that has been service sharpened. The blade has been service sharpened. The M73 sabre is a descendant of the 1812 Blucher pattern cavalry sabre and was issued to all enlisted artillery men. It was their primary close quarter weapon for use in defending the field guns. The blade is un-etched, polished steel and is in very good condition.

The spine of the blade bears an inspection stamp (waffenampt) and the date stamp for 1914 below the crown and “W” of Kaiser Wilhelm.

The ricasso is marked with the maker’s details, “Weyersberg, Kirschbaum & Cie. Solingen.” This is mostly obscured by the languet and blade washer.

The steel “P” guard, quillon and back-strap are in great condition, bright and rust free. The crosspiece is stamped with a crossed out, World War One Prussian artillery unit designation. The obverse languet bears the date 1920 and the weapon number 15. After WW1, the Treaty of Versailles strictly limited the number of new weapons that Germany could produce for use by the Weimar Republic (1919-1933). Existing stocks of good condition swords and other weapons were refurbished as a way of circumventing the treaty as they were not newly made. The back-strap and grip ferrule are stamped with Waffenampt inspection marks. The Bakelite grip is in excellent condition and the blade is firm in the hilt.

The steel scabbard is in great condition and retains its original finish. In 1910, regulations required that all scabbards be blackened. This was a chemical process although some war production ersatz models were painted. The chemical blackening on this scabbard is in good condition with wear consistent with use and age. The throat and drag of the scabbard are stamped with inspection marks and a crossed out unit designation and weapon issue numbers. The sabre sheathes and draws well and is held firmly within the scabbard.

This is an excellent example of a scarce World War 1 Prussian artilleryman’s’ sabre.

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