German M1873 WW1 Prussian artilleryman’s Sabre by P. D. Luneschloss, Solingen.
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 755mm 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, 80mm upper false edge. The blade has been service sharpened. The M73 sabre was issued to all enlisted men and was intended as a primary close quarter weapon for use in defending the field guns. The blade is un-etched, polished steel and is in good used condition with a mild salt & pepper patina and small edge nicks indicative of use.
The spine of the blade bears an inspection stamp (waffenampt) and the date stamp for 1916 below the crown and “W” of Kaiser Wilhelm.
The ricasso is marked with the maker’s name “P. D. Luneschloss,” and the word “Solingen,” the town in which it was made.
The steel “P” guard, quillon and back-strap have shallow pitting and a pale silver/grey patina. The brown Bakelite grip is in good condition. The back strap bears a Waffenampt and the languet is stamped “1920,” indicating that the sabre was refurbished/reissued during the Weimar Republic and was one of the limited number of sabres that Germany was allowed to produce annually under the terms of the Treaty of Versailles. The blade is firm in the hilt.
The steel scabbard is in good condition and retains its original finish. In 1910, regulations insisted 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 mid-way down on one side consistent with being worn and rubbing on the wearer’s leg. The throat and drag of the scabbard are stamped with inspection marks. The scabbard is unit marked, “S. Ma. I. 2.11.” over “3/E S7” and the number “41.” These unit markings will enable research into the wartime actions in which this sabre was involved.
The sabre sheathes and draws well and is held firmly within the scabbard.
This is a good example of a scarce World War One Prussian artilleryman’s’ sabre with a story to tell.
