Dimensions in cm.
Length in sheath: 99
Length without sheath: 96
Grip length: 14 plus 1 for the hilt
Blade length: 81
Blade width: 4.8
Sheath width: 5.5
Basket-hilt width: 15
Grip width: 3.3
Blade thickness: 0.7
Balance point: 15.5, horizontal
The photographs of this sabre were taken exclusively for this article.
This sabre is a magnificent specimen in every respect and offers interesting insights on several levels. On the one hand, it is a highly decorative weapon, which was worn in this form by officers of the Austro-Hungarian Hussars in the mid-19th century. On the other hand, it is nevertheless a fully combat-ready weapon – and not just incidentally – this sabre could withstand the toughest battles. The blade of an 18th-century hussar sabre, almost 5 cm wide, yet light and manoeuvrable, paired with the iron-carved hilt made of 3 mm thick steel, was suitable for the reliable armament of a hussar.
Despite the menace emanating from this piece, an aesthetic balance was created with the beautifully cut basket. This impressively displays the crowned double-headed eagle of the Austro-Hungarian coat of arms with a sword and laurel branch. Further up, the original owner of the sabre is shown, leading with the sabre in question in his hand. The depiction of the individual owner on a weapon is an absolute rarity and cannot be compared to generic etchings of hussars on blades, usually above the motto ‘Vivat Hussar’. The horseman is dressed in typical Hungarian hussar style and carries a sabre pouch with the initials ‘T S’. The steel carvings are arranged in such a way that they are only correctly displayed when the sabre is drawn.
The older re-used blade from the mid-18th century shows an older etched image of the Habsburg eagle on both the Terz and the Quart sides. This blade originates from the well-known hussar sabres, which at that time were still made in brass and leather in the officer’s version and are very rare today. With a subtle but sufficient curvature, it was suitable for both cutting and thrusting. The blades came from the Austrian production facilities in Weiz, Sollenau and later Pottenstein, as well as from places in Hungary that are not yet known by name. Not all of them had the designation of origin on the back of the blade, as is the case with this example.
The solid steel scabbard provided protection for the sabre in the event of the hussar falling from his warhorse or other accidents. It has two movable carrying rings and a manufacturer’s mark on the tip of the drag plate. It has a decorative, angular side (see pictures) and a smooth side, which is gentle on the horse and equipment when riding.
The handle is covered with fish skin (so called Shagreen) and has a grip wrap. It features the typical pommel of this sabre model and has a flat surface for the thumb. This makes it clear how the sabre was held. However, the hammer grip was probably still used for thrusting, because, as F.C. Christmann correctly described in 1828, contusions often occurred when the thumb was extended during thrusting from horseback. There is a slot for the sword knot in the guard. The entire handle and guard provide optimal grip for this weapon with sufficient protection. This relationship between fist protection and manoeuvrability was subject to frequent changes, especially in the 19th century, and varied from army to army. The Austrians and Hungarians came up with this model during a period when crossguards were very rudimentary in their armies, often consisting of just a single bar.
In short, we can observe that the piece in question is the M1845 sabre model for officers of the Austro-Hungarian light cavalry, in this case for an officer of the hussars.
Outline of the pattern
It is not really possible to speak of a uniform model (pattern) for the officer versions. While the simple Trooper’s version was always produced with only minor variations, officers were able to customise their sabres to a great extent. Nevertheless, there are certain features that distinguish this sabre from others in Austria-Hungary at that time.
It is the large basket-hilt, which was almost always decorated for officers and is a distinctive feature of this edged weapon. The decorations could be very subtle, but also very elaborate, as in this example. The shape of the hilt corresponded to that of the enlisted men’s version of the M1845, as did the basic shape of the pommel, i.e. a domed and flat cap that ran down to the hilt with a metal strip. A metal ring at the bottom of the handle holds the strip in place. The drag plate of the scabbard is also characteristic. Conversely, there are a number of features that were frequently modified. The blades could be much older, and the metal scabbards were specially made for these old and very wide blades, so that each scabbard looked different in shape. Officers who did not have access to a so-called ‘Erbklinge’ had contemporary blades mounted. The blade geometry was as varied as the market allowed. However, the blades commonly used at that time were much narrower.
Brief difference to the troopers version
We have already briefly outlined the differences between officers’ and troopers’ sabres. For the sake of completeness, we will round off the picture with a description of the latter. Trooper’s sabres of this model had no decoration except for one chevron on the metal band of the hilt. The narrow blades with one fuller often bore contemporary manufacturer and troop stamps. The simple basket-plate was completely closed except for seven drilled holes and a sword knot slot, and of very simple design. The hilt was covered with inexpensive brown leather – there was no fish skin or grip wrapping. The carved notches in the handle were significantly coarser and fewer in number than those on the officers’ swords.
Unlike the officers’ version, there was a cross rivet through the handle in addition to a pommel rivet – at this point, the metal band on the back of the handle was extended into semicircular tongues that merged into the sides of the handle. The cross rivet passed through these metal tongues. This difference made the riveting of the cheaper version significantly more stable – however, this made changing the blades in case of damage more complicated and therefore more expensive. It was assumed that the sabres would be treated more roughly by the ordinary soldiers, so an attempt was made to make the weapon more durable. The crew version also came with a metal scabbard, but this was also undecorated, had a troop stamp and was of inferior quality. The drag plate was similar in style to the officer versions.
Historical context and the predecessor model
In the chronology of Austro-Hungarian cavalry sabres, the Model 1845 followed the Model 1827/1837. The so-called ‘standard sabre’ was introduced by order of 6 May 1845 for light cavalry (hussars, ulans, etc.). The inspiration for this most likely came from the British sabre of the 1821 model for heavy cavalry. The Austro-Hungarian heavy cavalry continued to carry the Pallasch (broadsword) until 1851.
It is interesting to note that the Central Europeans found what the British had intended for heavy cavalry to be more suitable for light cavalry. The intercultural influence of weapons is nothing new. In the 18th century, the Hungarians copied the Polish precursors of the European hussar sabre with a single knucklebow from the 17th century, after the Poles had combined Western and Eastern influences. Until then, the Hungarians had mostly used cross-shaped crossguards, which they semselves developed from Eastern styles. The Austrians incorporated these Hungarian hussar traditions into their own army somewhat later. Furthermore, the British copied the continental hussar sabres and created their own model in 1796, which in turn was copied by Prussia with the 1811 model (known as the Blücher sabre). Other European armies, such as the French, also used Central European sabre types.
The Model 1845 in the Trooper’s version was produced in two variants: a light and a heavy one. That is why different ‘calibres’ of this sabre can still be found today. The distinction between light and heavy was continued for subsequent models and was only abolished with the introduction of the 1869 model.
The direct successor to the M1845 was the M1850 sabre, which retained the basic shape of the hilt. Here, too, the officers’ weapons differed greatly from the simpler version.
The concept of the ‘Erbklinge’
There is a term in German-language blank weapon terminology known as ‘Erbklinge’ (Heirloom-blade). This term is not clearly defined. Basically, it refers to a blade that is significantly older than the mount (i.e. the handle and guard) to which it is attached. The word ‘erben’ means to receive something from one’s ancestors. In the strict sense, an ‘Erbklinge’ is therefore a blade passed down from parents to children that has been used repeatedly. The slight problem is that it is almost impossible to verify this for a specific sabre. What is certain, however, is that old blades were also traded in earlier times.
I would therefore relax the meaning of the term and use it for any old blade in new fittings if a certain point applies. This point is the prerequisite that the blade makes cultural and historical sense in the context of the new fittings and its use in a particular army and has been intentionally placed in these by the original owner/producer. The sabre presented here is an excellent example of this. The blade from the 18th century is a hussar blade and bears the heraldic animal of the Habsburgs – so the blade fits perfectly with an Austro-Hungarian hussar sabre 100 years later.
If another blade were also 100 years older than the fittings, but came from an Indian tulwar, it would not be a ‘Erbklinge’. I know that this definition I have established here is flawed and does not reflect the multifaceted reality. For there will certainly be an Indian migrant in the 18th century who brought a tulwar to Europe and whose grandson held an officer’s position in the Austro-Hungarian cavalry. My definition does not do justice to this person and their sword. Nevertheless, I consider it a utilitarian solution. However, in my understanding, a ‘Erbklinge’ does not necessarily have to be tied to a specific national affiliation.
As already explained, the term is an undefined construct, but is often used in the context of Austrian, Hungarian and Polish swords.
The market
This type of sabre is very rare. The simple Trooper’s version is not often available for sale. The officer’s weapons of this type can often no longer be described as rare, as they are predominantly unique pieces. Of course, there are hilts, especially those with exclusively floral patterns, that are similar in some way (especially the later similar successor models from 1850 onwards). However, these sabres often also have the newer blades from the 19th century mounted on them. The M1845 with a ‘Erbklinge’ almost always have a custom-made basket-hilt. Matching sword knots bear the monograms “F1” in the Austrian half of the empire and ‘1FJ’ in the Hungarian half, but these are rarely found on the market due to their delicate design not suitable for surviving unconserved and unlooked for. The price range for such sabres is between 2000 and 5000 €, depending on their condition, specific decoration and blade.
These sabres are among the most individual weapons of the 19th century and are characterised by their combination of martial spirit and romanticism.
Entirely in keeping with the spirit of the hussars.
Literature recommendations:
- Chladne zbrane habsburske monarchie I; Konopisky, Moudry
- Kardok; Lugosi, Temeszvary
- Rest of the images of other sabres then the specimen described and we kindly thank for permission to use them: DOROTHEUM, Vienna
The shown images are property of THE GLADIOLOGICAL but can be used for educational, non-commercial purposes if the user clearly names THE GLADIOLOGICAL as the original author.
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