Prussian Artillery Officer Lion-Head Säbel

[RON]

Here's a sword I've actually had for a while. From what I already knew and have learned from the other thread, it's a private purchase lion-head Prussian Artillery Officers' Saber with a nickeled 2-hanger scabbard--thus making it pre-1906 production--and an unsharpened double-engraved blade.
It actually looks like a mixture of #18's handle and 14's (lion) head in Tony's sword charts (see other thread).

It has crossed cannons on one langet; engraved owner's monogram on the other but no maker's mark anywhere:

> What model is this (M18??)?
> I've seen similar versions but with gold-colored handles; what's that difference about?
> Is the pommel silver-plated and how would you clean it/remove the patina without getting what's left of that silver off?

 

[J.LeBrasseur]

Ron- I will do my best to help answer your questions.

First do not get hung up on Model numbers, not all Imerpial swords had a model number.

Your sword is a classic Officers Lionhead Arillery sword with a P handguard, they also came in D gaurd. The variations and makers are endless and as such we see tons of variations from glass eyes to differant types of scroolwork, langets etc.

The officer when purchasing would pick out exactly what he wanted and the fancier the more expensive.

Yours is in a Nickel finish(not silver) they could be ordered also in brass, and also could be fire gilted. Again, the buyers choice.

Lionhead swords first showed up in the 1500's and went all the way through the Third Reich period.

Blade designs and etching were again up to the buyer!

Monograms on the reverse Langet was another option, and to be honest does not seam to be used much, I would say I see about 1 monogramed sword for every 20 or so plain ones. Just my opinion.

Cleaning is a choice and somthing to think hard about, nothing abrasive for sure.

I find common sudsy amonia from any hardware or walmart etc works great, put some on a q tip and lightly clean. Make sure the amonia says Sudsy, it works much better.

As far as maintenace, I use a silicone gun rag, I found again at hunting stores, but my Walmart also carries it. I wipe down my sword at least once a year and for sure after touching them. Fingerprints can kill a sword over time.

Hope this answers your questions, it is a nice looking sword.

James

 

[RON]

Thanks James!
It doesn't have any maker's mark under the languets though, actually no markings at all. Is that a problem?

 

[J.LeBrasseur]

Many makers that did not use a mark, yours is fine

 

[Gyula]

Hey folks, jus a short question,What do you think about this item?, pictures are below..
Friend of mine found it in attic of old abandoned Hungarian castle.
Do you think, is it a same lion accessory of Prussian artillery sword?
thx, Kind Reg, Gyula from Dublin

 

[cptbob]

That sure looks like a part of a lion head handle. Both Artillery and Cavalry officers would have carried those

 

[CLOVIS 57]

Good evening,
Indeed, saber of "exit", of private purchase, for officer here of artillery. The double bélière and the handle in shagreen make it a model of before the First World War. The engravings on the blade, and the fact that there is no manufacturer's logo confirm that this is a private order, a commercial purchase, a fancy model, and not a regulation model authorized in service.

 

[b.loree]

Good Evening to you Clovis. No problem understanding your message here on the forum, very good. You have given us the answer. Thank you,