6945 - Prince Friedrich Karl of Prussia (1828–1885)—his personal presentation saber from the Prussian 1st Life Guard Hussar Regiment

Prince Friedrich Karl of Prussia (1828–1885)—his personal presentation saber from the Prussian 1st Life Guard Hussar Regiment Gold-plated lion’s head pommel; on the front guard flap, a Guard star with enamel inlay; on the outer D-ring and the rear guard flap, a skull on each; fish-scale grip wrapped in twisted silver wire; the saber blade features engravings depicting Prince Friedrich Karl of Prussia’s participation in military battles (beginning with 1848 on the front and 1864 on the back); steel scabbard with two carrying rings on brass straps. Uncleaned condition; shows age-related signs of wear as well as a light patina and traces of soot. Prince Friedrich Karl of Prussia participated in the Schleswig-Holstein War in 1848 as a captain and in the campaign in Baden in 1849 as a major. In 1852, he became a colonel; in 1854, a major general; and in 1856, a lieutenant general. During the German-Danish War of 1864, as a general of the cavalry, he assumed overall command of the Prussian troops. In the German War of 1866, he was commander-in-chief of the 1st Army, and in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870–71, he initially commanded the 2nd Army, and shortly thereafter the 1st and 2nd Armies, and was promoted to field marshal. Provenance: This saber was featured in detail in the June 1987 issue of “Die Tradition,” which also included photographs of the prince with this saber. The issue also listed the prince’s military activities, as indicated by the inscription on the blade. This lot is located in the United States Condition: II