This rare Swiss Model 1842 Weidmesser pour Scharfschützen is a gladius-form short sword complete with its original matching scabbard. The blade is marked “A. BRAST AARAU”, and the sword and sheath both bear matching serial number 50. The blade hilt is additionally marked “K.I. 156”, noted as King’s Infantry. The piece was cleaned and oiled on June 29, 2022. Measuring approximately 26 1/2 inches overall with a 20 inch blade, this French collection example is a desirable Swiss military edged weapon with rare scabbard survival.
The Swiss Model 1842 Weidmesser was a distinctive short sword associated with riflemen and specialized troops, reflecting the practical Swiss tradition of combining edged tools and military sidearms. Its broad gladius-like form gave it utility as both a sidearm and field implement, while the scabbard allowed it to be worn as part of military equipment. Matching-number examples with original scabbards are especially desirable because many surviving pieces are separated from their mounts or show mismatched components.
This is a strong and unusually complete Swiss military short sword, appealing both as a rare pattern and as a marked, matching-number example. The A. Brast Aarau blade mark, matching sheath and sword number 50, and K.I. 156 marking give it the specificity collectors appreciate in 19th-century European edged weapons.
Provenance: Acquired from a European collector who held a large French collection.
Dimensions: Approximately 26 1/2 inches overall with a 20 inch blade.
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