Interesting mid 18 century Austrian Heavy Cavalry broadsword from period of Maria Theresa of Habsburg House (1740-1780), Empress of Austro-Hungarian Empire. Massive 33 inches long and 1.5 inches wide blade engraved on both sides with "Dragoon on Horse" and text - "Vivat Maria Theresa Konigin von Ungarn und Bohemia" (Queen of Hungary and Bohemia). Blade is still very sharp. Elaborate and beautiful basket hilt in firm of Imperial Crown all gold gilded. Top of the pommel shows Lion face. Grip covered with leather and a very solid wire. Front of the basket, under the crown ha seven small holes when initials or crest was attached. Probably it was removed with the change of ruler as was customary.
Condition: wonderful for its age. Blade has no rust or pitting just strange patina (Damascus blade?). Hilt and pommel with no damage and almost all gold gilding remains. Solid . leather and wire on the grip.
Wonderful broadsword from great Empire, it really should be in the Museum.
