Posted 10 years ago
Chrisnp
(310 items)
The Model 1889 German cavalry sword was to remain in service through WWI. As with most cavalry of the major armies of the era, the sword is designed as a thrusting weapon. The insignia in the hilt differed depending on which German state the particular regiment came from.
I believe this sword was a presentation piece as indicated by the scroll on the left side of the blade, “Zur Erinnerung an meine Deinstzeit”, which translates to “In memory of my service time”. I imagine this as a parting gift to someone at the end of his time in service. The panel on the other side gives his unit, “Ulanen Regt. Hennings v. Treffenfeld (Altmark) No. 16”. The Uhlans were lancers – cavalry whose primary weapon was an over ten foot long pole with a spear point on the end.
The other etching features trophies of Hussar and Cuirassier equipment on the scroll side, and a trophy of Uhlan equipment and a horse’s head on the side with the unit. The back spine is etched with a vine running up the first two thirds of the blade. The steel folding hilt displays the Prussian Eagle, and the hilt is black bakelite. There is no maker’s mark.
Scabbards for these swords went from two rings to one ring in 1906, and went from nickeled steel to black scabbards in 1910, so this piece dates after these changes.
I purchased this sword in 1978 or 79 from a second hand store in Bremerhaven Germany when I was on duty there.
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I've often wondered how a thrusting weapon instead of a slashing weapon could work on horseback. How do you not end up not getting your sword stuck? I thought this explanation was interesting:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2RfECG1qllo
Watched the video & thrusting from the right is almost a definite wrist breaker & sword looser. I would do a hacking move on the right. You know as well as I do that you can't plan that last second move so precisely. Good in theory though!!
Got a 24 hr. "bug" right now, but do know I'm getting more sick clk'n on bloody glass birds!! From this day forth, I will never clk on another glass bird as there is no end to them!!!
Glass birds?? Cool!! Where??? hehehe.
This is a private purchase sword purchased by the Uhlan himself or his family. My great uncle was a Baden Uhlan in 1910 who served for only one year since he was able to provide (pay for) his own horse and equipment! Later during WWI he was called back to active duty without his horse and served on foot.
Yes, definitely a private purchase sword and the private purchases are actually more frequently encountered than the issue swords. The issue swords were heavier construction, lacked a folding guard, had armory markings, etc. Mine has none of that.
German cavalrymen purchased dress swords for themselves to use with “walking out” dress. They were also given swords as gifts. Sometimes they were gifted by family as you mention, on occasions such as upon becoming an Uhlan (which had plenty of status). Other times swords were given by comrades, such as when a trooper leaves his unit. We’ll never know for sure, but based on the “In memory of my service” scroll, I believe the latter was the case here.
I don’t have any Baden Uhlan stuff but here’s a photo featuring Wurttemburg Uhlans that I posted four years ago that I think you might like:
http://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/26774-wrttemberg-uhlans-and-their-ladies
Thanks for the love pickrknows, vintagelamp, tosell50, Militarist, fortapache, pw-collector, Scott, blunder, officialfuel and aghcollect.