Swiss sawback band sword

[Mervyn Mitton]

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This is the standard British Pioneer sword with sawback - introduced in 1856 it continued in service until the early 1900's.

I am showing it here only as reference for the following Swiss sawback sword. The British sawback was innovative in

that it was a proper sword - with guard. Mainly issued to the Pioneers and the Artillery it was a defensive weapon - with

in addition, the sawback to prepare fields-of-fire and clear bivouac areas.

Many other Countries were quick to follow the design - although most of them were as bayonets. The next post will show

a Swiss sword that has definite links with the above.

[Mervyn Mitton]

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This is a rare short sword issued to Swiss units - and most probably Bands. Made by the Swiss company S.J.G.

Neuhausen it bears the number 6767 and a further number 86 - which is probably the date 1886 (?).

The blade - one of the longest bayonets known - is based on the Schmidt-Ruben. The hand grip and the small

crossguards have turned it into a sword. The similarities with the British Pioneer can be seen clearly.

I have never seen one of these before and it would be interesting to know if it was a common issue ? The Swiss

are officially a neutral Country and hand weaponry issued for their volunteer army is kept at home. I wonder if

they hand it in when new issue is made - could be some rare pieces hiding in old homes.

[Mervyn Mitton]

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[Mervyn Mitton]

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[Mervyn Mitton]

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[Mervyn Mitton]

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