Description
Royal Italian “Hausmüster” Factory Sample Sword Hilt. No maker. Although this factory sample is unmarked, it has attached to the hilt an Eickhorn-style cardboard tag with metal border marked in ink with the model number, “1410”. This sword is based on the Saxon Infantry Officer sword pattern Nr. 181 as illustrated in the 1908 Carl Eickhorn sales catalog. Gilted brass hilt shows light age with much gilting remaining on the bulbous pommel with raised oak leaf border surrounding the raised Royal Italian coat of arms, plain knuckle-bow and non-folding, filigree-style handguard with central Italian coat of arms bordered by oak leaves. Black celluloid grip shows only minor wear with no cracks or chips, and is complete with tight triple gilt wire wrap. Hilt is complete with a 4 ¾” portion of plated steel blade with “1410” stamped on obverse ricasso. Blade shows age and some bubbling/lifting to plating. Rare factory sample sword hilt. Exc+/Exc++
