Material related to Austrian and German alpine troops is always hard to come upon. My last posting focused on an Ice Ax from a Baden Machine Gun Company. The Austrian sword of Mountain Troops and in particular the Officers sword is a unique item. In 1907 a short sword with an ornate (with crown, FJI cypher and Imperial Eagle) perforated hilt for Officers was authorized. A similar sword for NCO's was also authorized, but with smooth hilt and were to be worn on the belt like a bayonet for all k.k mountain troops.
The short sword was considered more practical when climbing mountains and glaciers verses a traditional long sword that would get in the way. What is worth noting is that the sword lengths varied greatly. All were no longer in length than a long bayonet, but as the war progressed the lengths varied down to the length of a trench knife. Here are three Officers versions for your review.
The short sword was considered more practical when climbing mountains and glaciers verses a traditional long sword that would get in the way. What is worth noting is that the sword lengths varied greatly. All were no longer in length than a long bayonet, but as the war progressed the lengths varied down to the length of a trench knife. Here are three Officers versions for your review.
