Bavaria, Kingdom. A Model 1892 Artilleryman’s Short Sword

(Faschinenmesser für die Artillerie). A well-preserved Model 1892 artilleryman’s short sword, measuring 62.5 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 48 cm-long, nickel-plated, magnetic steel blade which retains factory-original sharpening to both the tip and lower edge. A wide fuller runs the majority of the length of each side, while the blade bears double-sided acid-etched inscriptions of “IN TREUE FEST” (“STEADFAST IN LOYALTY”), presented on a ribbon interwoven with oak branches. The blade sits securely within a gilded brass hilt featuring a double-hooked crossguard, ribbed handle grip, and terminating at the pommel with a detailed lion’s head. An original intact wool buffer pad covers the seam where the blade meets the pommel. Accompanying the sword is its original scabbard, constructed of a blackened leather shaft with gilded brass fixtures adorning the tip and throat. The latter features a downward-pointing hook for the accommodation of a frog, and retains an internal catch to firmly hold the sword in place during storage. Minor issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include some running marks to the blade, tarnishing to the brass fixtures, and minor fatigue of the scabbard shaft. This beautifully-presented sword remains in a near extremely fine condition.