Austrian Funerary Sword

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by Victrix

Interesting sword, Jim. Also it begs the question in a historical context as to why coffin bearers should carry swords? Was it a sign of a militarised society in Europe in those days, or did they have to be armed to fend off grave robbers? Methinks the former. It seems postmen and railway employees also had their own swords. Many of these men were probably demobilised former soldiers or had a background in the armed forces. It would be interesting to see a statistic of what proportion of males served in the armed forces at some stage in the 19thC in continental Europe.

Thank you! Naturally Europe, especially in Austro-Hungary and principalities with monarchy tend to have military oriented structure, and dress swords were typical in official situations. It has been my understanding that this sword was of a form used in royal court circumstances so military uniform was likely worn.
It does not seem that private or civilian situations would have such, but the tradition of wearing mourning swords was quite well known in 18th c. with status oriented figures' funerals etc.

[Victrix]

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

It has been my understanding that this sword was of a form used in royal court circumstances so military uniform was likely worn.
It does not seem that private or civilian situations would have such…

Yes Jim, I didn’t realise the sword was used in royal court circumstances. That explains its elegance.