2764 - A Styrian campaign sword (dussack) with cartridge scabbard, circa 1580

A Styrian campaign sword (dussack) with cartridge scabbard, circa 1580 Wide, slightly curved, double-grooved back blade with a double-edged point. Blade slightly mottled and slightly pitted; the back and the quart side of the tang have been sanded down in modern times. The quart side bears multiple sawtooth and pi marks. Iron, strongly curved crossguard with punched decoration on the face. The terz-side guard plate has a downward-angled edge, serving as a cover for the quiver. The crossguard and guard plate have been modernly polished in places. The tang has original leather wrapping and a typical rectangular pyramidal pommel. The wooden scabbard is covered with lightly embossed leather and sewn on the front. The widened mouth features a compartment for a total of five cartridges. Two old, glued-on collection numbers on the back of the mouth. Iron guard plate, grainy. Length 77.5 cm. Comparable examples can be found primarily in the Graz Armory. (Cf.: “Das Landes-Zeughaus in Graz,” Leipzig 1880; Plate XXIV No. 5; E. Artlieb: *Mit scharfer Klinge. Die Hieb- und Stichwaffen der Habsburger Monarchie 1600–1848* (Vol. 1), Vienna 2025, pp. 166ff.). These double-edged axes are already listed in the 1594 inventory (approximately 250 pieces). They were issued to carters, who were also equipped with a blunderbuss. Rare! Condition: II–III