These are the traditional sidearms of SAXONY, one of the independent German City States that existed prior to the unification of Germany under Bismark in 1871. Each State had it's own characteristic sidearms, this Faschinenmesser Sword was one used by Saxony. The 24.50 Inch long sword has a large cleaver shaped blade of 19.50 Inches mounted onto an all-brass ribbed grip bag shaped hilt with a brass "S" cross guard. The name itself translates to "Fascine Knife", and the design is intended both for defense an as a tool for cutting "fascines". These are bundles of sticks and brush used to strengthen trenches, walking paths, and other types of earthen work found on the battlefield. They are the predecessor of the heavy sawback pioneer swords and bayonets used in WW1.
The original blade markings are clear, with a Bavarian Royal monogram that appears to say LB under a crown, probably for Ludwig II. The reverse ricasso has P. D. L. inside an oval of dots, the maker marking for P. D. Lüneschloss, Fabrik blanker Waffen, located in the legendary blade-making city of Solingen. The company was founded in 1810 by Peter Daniel Lüneschloss.
