19th Century Sidearm
I believe this is a Nineteenth Century piece. I am not sure whether it is an Artillery, Infantry or Pioneer sidearm. The "falchion" shaped blade would suggest artillery or pioneer.But the marking on the obverse crossguard, "II J 3" might indicate jaeger, or infantry.
There are no identifying marks that would conclusively indicate the country of issue or origin. I would guess either Swiss or Italian issue. I am unable to find any mention of a sidearm with these physical characteristics in my reference library.
Any comments would be appreciated. Please send them to: jmholm@whidbey.com
See the following images for details. Thank you for looking, and for any comments.
The blade is distinctively "falchion shaped" and is double edged.The upper edge tapers down toward the tip narrowing the blade along the length of the fuller and then rises again in a distinctive swell before curving down to meet the tip of the blade at the centerline forming a spear point. There is a central fuller on the obverse side but none on the reverse side. Notice the asymmetrical flats on the reverse side extending from the grind line to the upper and lower edges of the blade. Taking both views together it is obvious that the blade was made in this shape
Full Length Views
Obverse side
Reverse side
More Details of the Blade Tip and Hilt
Tip of the reverse side of the blade.
Obverse side of hilt. Notice the concentric rings on the disk shaped finials.
Unit mark on obverse crossguard: "II J 3"