German Enlisted Troops Artillery Sabre, new model M-1896 (Mannschaftsabel ArtillerieSabel neuer/Art 1873-96). This new model was pretty much a shortened version of the 1848 model: first the blade was shortened, then the scabbard's second ring was removed and instead was added a side loop. M1896s first had a wood grip covered in leather before they were changed to bakelite or full wood grips. Scabbards were iron made before being made of parkerized manganese. Lastly, to give quality control coherence, every fitting of these specimen was stamped with an inspection mark (from the blade right up to the pommel nut). The offered sabre was issued in 1912 as marked on the spine and has bakelite grip. It was made by "Simson & Co." as marked on the ricasso.. Unfortunately there is no scabbard.
Condition: very good: sharpened blade with scattered dark spots but no dip rust or pitting. Very good, clean hilt with lots of inspection marks. Solid grip with no chips or damage.
Interesting pre WWI artillery sabre which saw service in WWI and later used by other European countries (Poland, Lithuania).
