Prussian M73 Saber P.D. Luneschloss 1906 Reverse Blade M1873 Blankwaffen Blucher

Description

Prussian M73 Saber P.D. Luneschloss 1906 Reverse Blade M1873 Blankwaffen Blucher
Prussian M73 Saber P.D. Luneschloss 1906 Reverse Blade M1873 Blankwaffen Blucher
Listed is a 1906 Prussian M73 Artillery Saber!
What we have here is something truly special. This listed historic artillery saber is an M1873 Prussian backsword with a reverse mounted blade. This blade features heavy duty iron guard, pommel and backstrap with a sword not slot. It has a well fitted wood grip that is bulged in the middle with remnants of a leather covering. The heavy iron cross guard has a hole drilled on its upper portion and 2 tangs that extend upwards on either side of where the blades leather rain guard would be. The blade itself measures roughly 30" in length not accounting for curve and is 1.25" thick at the base with a single 5/8" fuller extending along the rear edge and coming to a point at the tip. The rear edge is flat, measuring in at over 1/4" thick at the base and has a false edge which taper begins about 5" from the blades tip. The ricasso is stamped "PD Luneschloss". The back side of the base of the blade is stamped with a crown, beneath which you'll find the initial "W" and the numbers 06 indicating an inspection date of 1906. The backstrap and collar also have matching crown stamps. The side of the cross guard is stamped "1.A.F.II.L.H.90".
The blade on this artillery saber is mounted backwards, meaning if you hold the grip in the proper orientation and extended out in front of you the blade will curve down with the tip towards the ground and the sharp edge towards the face of the wielder. I see no marks or indications that the blade has been disassembled which leads me to believe it was originally assembled this way. The patina on the top nut appears to match that of the pommel and backpiece and I would say the same of the grip rivet. Few matching examples of this have been found in my research and no explanations have been given. Various forums have users believing it could be for the sake of comfortable use while on horseback, keeping the point towards to ground with the sharp edge forward and a straight wrist allowing the horse to do all the work. Other speculation point to ceremonial purposes or even just manufacturing defect but it does in fact have inspection stamps so the latter seems unlikely.
This piece of history is truly something to behold. All metal sports a matching deep patina that gives an incredible look and texture to the saber. There is a small section on the collar and backstrap where you can see the original steel color. The sharp edge is in shockingly good condition though there are some dings and dents as seen in the photos. The rear edge also has dings and dents but they all add character. At the base of the blade you will find a leather rain guard that sure as heck looks original to my eyes. The wood grip has worn down to reveal the tang near the base but feels very solid and has little to no play. There is some rust on the ricasso and near the top nut but it is minimal.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this listing then please do not hesitate to reach out! Furthermore, if you have any info regarding backwards mounted blades then please do send us a message!
We currently have
ANOTHER
Prussian M73 Artillery saber with a backwards mounted blade listed here on Ebay so please check that out if you are interested!
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