Short Bavaria Infantry Pioneers Sabre, M1830

Short Bavaria Infantry Pioneers Sabre, M1830 German, 19th century. So called ‘Fascine Messer’. The sabre with large cleaver shaped blade mounted onto a gilt bronze ribbed grip, bag shaped hilt and bronze "S" cross guard. Numbered on the hilt: ‘J.B.12-1-33’. The small sword comes together with a black leather scabbard with bronze mounts at the tip. Length: blade 46.5 cm. Total length: 60 cm. [II-] NOTE The name itself translates to "Fascine Knife", and the design is intended both for defence and as a tool for cutting "fascines". These are bundles of sticks and brush used to strengthen trenches, walking paths, and other types of earthen work found on the battlefield. Traditional Sidearm of Bavaria, one of the independent German States that existed prior to the unification of Germany under Bismark in 1871. Each State had its own characteristic sidearms sword. This one was used in Bavaria.