Saxon Infantry Officer’s Degen Model 1867 with Scabbard

This is a fine and well-preserved example of the Saxon Infantry Officer’s Degen (Infanterie-Offizier-Degen, M1867), a regulation sidearm carried by officers of the Kingdom of Saxony during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. While closely modeled on the French officer’s épée design, the Saxon version is distinguished by its straight, double-fullered blade and the incorporation of the Saxon state arms on the guard.

Physical Details

• Hilt: Brass guard with openwork design, pierced to display the crowned Saxon coat of arms with diagonal striped shield and oak-leaf scrolls. The brass has developed an attractive patina consistent with age. The grip is wrapped in shagreen (sharkskin) and bound with twisted brass wire, all intact and without structural loss. Pommel is barrel-shaped with stepped tang nut, typical of officer’s degen construction.

• Blade: Straight, slender blade with double fullers extending much of its length. Private purchase examples of this type often carried etched mottoes such as “Eisenhauer garantiert” (iron proof) or a Leipzig/Dresden retailer’s mark; traces of etching may be visible but are partially muted by age and wear. Edge remains true, with no significant nicks or distortions.

• Scabbard: Steel scabbard with dual suspension rings. Finish shows honest age with areas of oxidation and surface spotting, yet remains structurally sound and free of major dents. Blade fits securely.

Historical Context
The IOD67 was the regulation officer’s sword of the Saxon Army through the Franco-Prussian War and into the Kaiserreich era, worn by officers of line infantry and specialist units. Unlike Prussian artillery sabers (which bore eagles and crossed cannon motifs), this pattern is unmistakably Saxon, marked by the presence of the Saxon royal arms. Many were privately purchased from Solingen cutlers and distributors in Dresden or Leipzig, often inscribed with a retailer’s name and occasionally the cypher of King Albert or King Friedrich August.

Condition
Very good overall. Brass guard shows pleasing aged patina, grip is complete with wire binding firm and intact. Blade surface is bright with some age toning, fuller lines remain sharp. Scabbard shows oxidation but is solid with no structural issues. An excellent representative example of a Saxon officer’s regulation sidearm, ready for advanced display.