Württemberg Kavallerie Offizier Säbel, 1859/82

[aussiesoldier]

Somewhere in the 1850's many European nations copied the Austrian M1850 sword's design, including Switzerland, Spain and the German states of Hesse, Baden and Württemberg. A rather scarce model, the Württemberg 1859 Cavalry sword was, despite its name, issued to all mounted troops (uhlans, hussars, dragoons, horse artillery, and mounted supply troops). Made less than a decade after the Austrian M50, you can clearly see its influence: symmetrical bowl shaped but curved hilt with eight circular perforations and two longitudinal slots for the sword knot.

 

First generation models had a simpler blade but after 1882 the blades were replaced with pipe back ones and reinforced with the metal ''quillback'' (Austrian influence). When the Kavallerie Degen 1889 was introduced Sächsischer chose to fit this blade rather than the straight blade preferred by the other

states.
 

This is a private purchase 1859/82 Württemberg Kavallerie Offizier Sabel which has the upgraded pipe back blade made by Weyersberg Kirschbaum & CO of Solingen. There are no ordinance marks on the weapon and private purchase was normal as officers outfitted themselves at their own expense. It is combat weight.

It is a heavy and powerfully built sword but the curvature of the guard plate can be uncomfortable to the knuckles/wrist. 
 

The officer version follows the Austrian tradition: its handle is of shagreen grip, it is much lighter and faster. The Württemberger hilts were made from rolled and formed steel. The basket hilt is richly decorated with the usual floral pattern but has the state of Württemberg's coat of arms on it the same way the Swiss models do. This is a private purchase piece which has the upgraded pipe back blade with the "Weyersberg Kirschbaum & CO Solingen.
 

First generation models had a simpler single fuller blade but after 1882 the blades were replaced with pipe back ones and reinforced with the metal ''quillback ''. They also had 2 ring scabbards but in the decade prior to WW1 they had the lower one removed.