Anyone know what this is ?

[pit man]

Hi Guys,

Iv'e had this sword in the family for a long time but do not know its origin,can anyone help?
Ps sorry for the bad pics!

 

[Azrael31]

Is that a marking there just above the hilt? if so, is there any way you can get a closer picture of it?

 

[shappa]

And get it off the leopard print!
Use a light colored plain (no print) towel for a backdrop for a better pic.

I'm not sure what it is but it sure looks cool.

 

[Triton]

I don't know what it is, but I do know that you would have better luck over at the antiques and military sword forum over at sword forum www.swordforum.com . It looks somewhat short. Is it?

 

[pit man]

Yeah It is quite short 24.5" from end to end to be exact!
I have registered on sword forums as advised but it still won't let me place a post so I am relying on you guys !

 

[Andrew Taylor]

I have one of those and I can tell you they are pretty rare. I have only ever seen the one I have. It is a German Artillery hanger. Mine is maked to the 12th Regiment of Artillery. The blade is very thick on the spine and is a flat grind to the edge. It is surprisingly well balanced. When I had my Inn in England, it was the weapon I grabbed if I heard noises outside. There should be acceptance stamps on the spine right near the crossguard. The throat of the scabbard also has markings and the issue number should match the issue number on the blade. If it does, then it usually signifies that it was taken from someone that no longer needed it, or the owner was a POW. If the numbers don't match, they have been stored and then the government disposed of them.

The makers mark on yours looks like 'FR' which is Frister and Rossman. They made sewing machines in peace time and still do.

The brass will polish up nicely, but leave the patina on the blade.

 

[pit man]

A late response Andrew I know,but was just looking at your profile and realised you are an ex-brit.
I am also from England,Nottinghamshire to be exact and only moved to Canada last March !!!
If ever you are on Van Island let me know and we can meet up and dwell on how good the English pubs are !!!!