GERMAN PRUSSIAN WORLD WAR I ARTILLERY SWORD DATED 1915

This massive and heavy Prussian World War I Artillery Trooper's Model 1896 Sword dates to 1915, as marked on the back of the blade. It was produced by the famous Alex Coppel firm in Solingen, as marked on the ricasso. Condition is very good overall, with most of the original black paint surviving on the metal surfaces [scabbards and hilts were blackened according to the 1905 Prussian regulation] , and no rust or pitting on the 76 cm-long blade. Counter-guard and scabbard drag are marked with the same regimental numbers. These swords were prescribed for the horse artillery, train regiments and air force troops. After WWI many were reissued to reichswehr, police and during 1933-1945 were carried by the German cavalry troops.