A rare and very beautiful: Antique 19th Century Short Swiss made Pioneers Sawtooth Sword, M1842.

Excellent condition – Expected wear with age – bright clean blade with some scabbard runners

Short Swiss Pioneers Sawtooth Sword, M1842 So-called ‘Glaive’. Stamped with No.: ‘35306’ and marked on the Ricasso: ‘Waffenfabrik Neuhausen’, and Swiss cross proof. The sword in neoclassical ‘Gladius’ style with a heavy gilt bronze ribbed hilt, smooth pommel and a small horizontal guard in one piece, the guard-ends decorated with classic concentric circles on either side. Deeply fullered blade and sharp sawtooth edge. The sword has a bronze mounted black leather scabbard.

A lot of these during WW1 period were exported to Germany.

Weapon History: 

The Short Swiss Pioneers Sawtooth Sword, Model 1842, is a unique and highly specialized weapon (that was designed for use by Swiss pioneers and exported to Germany leading up to and during WW1), who were responsible for clearing paths and obstacles and building bridges, trenches and roads for military units during the mid-19th century. The sword features a distinctive sawtooth edge, which allowed the pioneers to cut through wood and other materials with ease. It was also reportedly a very effective self defense weapon.

The blade is made of high-carbon steel, which gives it excellent durability and strength. The sawtooth edge runs along the top of the blade, allowing the pioneers to cut through wood and other materials quickly and efficiently.

The hilt of the sword features a large neoclassical, Roman gladius guard that provides minimal protection for the hand The pommel is made of brass or steel, depending on the version of the sword, and is designed to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

The Short Swiss Pioneers Sawtooth Sword was introduced in 1842 and was in use by Swiss pioneers throughout the mid-19th century. It was originally designed by the Swiss arms manufacturer, Waffenfabrik Bern, which was known for producing high-quality weapons for the Swiss military.

The Short Swiss Pioneers Sawtooth Sword was highly regarded by Swiss pioneers for its effectiveness in cutting through obstacles quickly and efficiently. Its sawtooth edge made it an ideal tool for clearing paths through forests, cutting through barricades and other obstacles, and even for use as a makeshift saw in emergency situations. The sword’s design was so successful that it was later adopted by other countries, including Denmark and Sweden.

Today, the Short Swiss Pioneers Sawtooth Sword is highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts of military history. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its unique design and specialized use by Swiss pioneers.

Waffefabrik Neuhausen Quick Info: 

Waffenfabrik Neuhausen was a Swiss arms manufacturer founded in 1876. It was located in the town of Neuhausen am Rheinfall and was owned by the Swiss government. The company produced a variety of firearms, including rifles, pistols, and machine guns.

The company was best known for its production of the Swiss Army’s standard service rifle, the Schmidt-Rubin. This rifle was used by the Swiss military from 1889 until the 1950s. Waffenfabrik Neuhausen also produced the K31, which was an improved version of the Schmidt-Rubin.

During World War II, Waffenfabrik Neuhausen produced a number of different firearms for the Swiss military, including the MG 11 and MG 51. After the war, the company continued to produce firearms for the Swiss military, but also began to export their products to other countries.

In 2003, Waffenfabrik Neuhausen was merged with another Swiss arms manufacturer, Bern-based SIG (Schweizerische Industrie-Gesellschaft), to form the company SIGARMS. Today, SIGARMS is part of the German company L&O Holding, which produces a wide range of firearms and other products for the military and civilian markets.

Overall, edged weapons were a relatively small part of Waffenfabrik Neuhausen’s production, and they are perhaps best known for their firearms.

Dimensions:

Total length: 67 cm. Length: blade: 51 cm