German Sword

[Aragorn243]

Not sure what to call this. I've seen different names for it or very similar swords. Heavy cavalry sword, artillery sword, Blucher sword. Most seem to lean toward artillery sword.

What I do know about it is that it was made in 1913 so it would have seen service in WWI. Photo evidence from various sources also shows them in use in WWII with horse units. Manufactured by E & F Horster, Solingen which is hidden under one of the side guards on the blade. Imperial marks all over it.

Information

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[browningautorifle]

I always like those, a good looking working blade. I like the very wide heavy cavalry blades more...just can't afford them.

[Paul S.]

Five second google search turned up this: GALLERY ITEM - PRE - WWI IMPERIAL GERMAN CAVALRY SWORD - WEYERSBERG - Jims Militaria Collection || 989-274-6314Jims Militaria Collection || 989-274-6314

Pre-WWI Imperial German Cavalry sword.

[Aragorn243]

Paul, I saw that which is what is contributing to my confusion over what it is. I have seen it called an artillery sword by another very detailed website. What I do know is that this is a true combat sword. It was designed for use, not decoration as most other German swords of the time. It's really hard to tell from photos but it appears that the true cavalry swords are not as curved at this one. They were designed by this time period to be a thrusting weapon rather than a slashing one. This sword type itself was also shortened in the late 1800's to allow it to also be used for thrusting as well as slashing.

Is this a WW1 German Artillery Sword? - Arms - Great War Forum Go down a bit to Aussissoldiers post. He goes into detail on the swords and the difference with the cavalry version. This looks like a cavalry sabre which is probably why people today call them that.

[rcathey]

I’m gonna contribute nothing real quick by asking a question. What’s the point of the funny shaped handguard? Was there a point?

[Aragorn243]

The design has been around at least since Napoleonic times, late 1700's they start making an appearance. I actually did find some useful information. The blade was designed from eastern patterns, the Turks, Mamalukes, etc The hilt was designed to be light weight and at the same time fit all sizes of troopers, not just the largest. The ears have a rivet going through them and the blade to give it a solid fit.

[peregrinvs]

It reminds me a great deal of the British 1796 Pattern light cavalry sabre.