Prussian M1852 Faschinenmesser, Dated 1870

Straight single edged unfullered blade with spear point. Brass S-shaped hilt with forward and reverse quillons. Brass grip with mock ferrule, one side of the grip cast with diagonal grooves, the other smooth, integral oval bun pommel with hemisphere tang button. No scabbard.

Blade 18 5/8 inches (47.2cm) in length, the faschinenmesser 24 inches (61cm) overall.

The hilt is stamped with a crown and W over ‘70’, indicating that it was manufactured in 1870, in the reign of Wilhelm I, as well as a stamp of a crown over ‘S’ and ‘1. R. C. 213.’, which would be a unit mark.

The blade has patination and pitting overall, heavy pitting towards the tip. The blade is slightly bent to the left as held. Some movement to the hilt. The hilt and grip have an even patina, with some small dents and spots of darker patination.