RUM - šabľa vz.1861 pre dôstojníkov pechoty

1861 sabre for infantry officers
Säbel der österreichischen Infanterieoffiziere Modell 1861
Sabre model 1861 for infantry officers



This weapon is derived from the previous model 1850. It was used until the end of the monarchy in 1918. Different length variants are encountered with this weapon. Three basic length variants were produced but specimens shorter than 85 cm are also known with a scabbard. These differences ensured the possibility of choosing the appropriate weapon according to the height of the owner. In addition, some weapons were additionally shortened, especially at the beginning of World War I, when the unsuitability of long sabres in field conditions became apparent. During this period, the shiny parts of the weapon were often stained or painted with a covering paint.
The weapon has an iron, nickel-plated stock. A simple banded escutcheon folded into a symmetrical fluted escutcheon terminating in a volute. Two holes for the wristguard. Wooden handle, covered with leather, reinforced with wire. Single head with nut.
Iron scabbard, nickel-plated. Two sleeves with loop and fixed ring, finished with spur.


Weapon length: 935mm
Blade length: 795mm
Blade width: 24mm
Weight: 620g


These dimensions are for reference only.


Source:
Jan Šach, Petr Moudrý: Cold Weapons in the Habsburg Monarchy, Ars-Arm Prague, ISBN 80-902043-4-1
Jan Šach: Cold Weapons, Aventinum Prague 1999, ISBN 80-7151-232-X
My archive
URL : https://www.valka.cz/RUM-sabla-vz-1861-pre-dostojnikov-pechoty-t58833#212525 Version : 0
in addition to prescription weapons, we quite often encounter various private modifications and variants. Most often officers had their monogram or coat of arms engraved on the barrel nut. However, there are also weapons with atypical blades, decorated with various dedications or commemorative inscriptions, or sumptuously decorated weapons that belonged to high officers and members of the royal family.
RUM - šabľa vz.1861 pre dôstojníkov pechoty - šabľa s atypickou čepelou takmer priamou čepelou s dvojitým výbrusom

šabľa s atypickou čepelou takmer priamou čepelou s dvojitým výbrusom
RUM - šabľa vz.1861 pre dôstojníkov pechoty - šabľa vz.1861 s damaškovou čepelou

šabľa vz.1861 s damaškovou čepelou
RUM - šabľa vz.1861 pre dôstojníkov pechoty - zbaň s monogramom majitela

zbaň s monogramom majitela
URL : https://www.valka.cz/RUM-sabla-vz-1861-pre-dostojnikov-pechoty-t58833#212529 Version : 0
another common variant we encounter is the so-called "trench" modification of the sabre vz.1861. This is the way front-line officers had their weapons modified during World War I, when the disadvantage of long sabres in trench warfare conditions became apparent. The blades were shortened by about a quarter, sometimes even up to a third of their length. In addition, the shiny parts of the weapon were frosted or stained with dark, often black, paint as a precaution against enemy snipers.
RUM - šabľa vz.1861 pre dôstojníkov pechoty - zákopová súprava

zákopová súprava
URL : https://www.valka.cz/RUM-sabla-vz-1861-pre-dostojnikov-pechoty-t58833#212553 Version : 0
The monogram or coat of arms engraved on the barrel of cold-weapons did not so much serve to identify the owner or his weapon, rather it was used as a seal and therefore usually engraved in a negative (mirror) design. Also in the above example, it is probably a negatively engraved decorative curent letters ( IRV. ???).
RUM - šabľa vz.1861 pre dôstojníkov pechoty - Negativní - zrcadlový obraz monogramu

Negativní - zrcadlový obraz monogramu
URL : https://www.valka.cz/RUM-sabla-vz-1861-pre-dostojnikov-pechoty-t58833#212573 Version : 0
Officer with sabre vz.1861 - photo from my collection.
URL : https://www.valka.cz/RUM-sabla-vz-1861-pre-dostojnikov-pechoty-t58833#215634 Version : 0
Comparison of the classic sabre vz.1861 with the "trench" variant from the WWI period.


Photo: my collection
URL : https://www.valka.cz/RUM-sabla-vz-1861-pre-dostojnikov-pechoty-t58833#220832 Version : 0
A soldier of the rank of Stabs-Feldwebel is armed with a sabre for infantry officers of the 1861 model.


Source: my collection
URL : https://www.valka.cz/RUM-sabla-vz-1861-pre-dostojnikov-pechoty-t58833#318155 Version : 0
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