Modern swords
Modern swords and historical sabres represent an era in which the blade increasingly became a status symbol – precision-crafted, imbued with national character and of significant military-historical importance. The range in this category spans from the elegant 17th-century Renaissance rapier, through the Prussian cavalry sabre of the Wars of Liberation, to the British M1912 cavalry sword. With over 30 replicas from various nations and eras, you will find here both collector’s items and models for re-enactment and decoration.
What are modern swords? Definition and historical context
Modern-era swords refer to bladed weapons that can be broadly classified as dating from around 1500 to 1900. This period is characterised by the sword’s transition away from the battlefield towards becoming a ceremonial, status and cavalry weapon. With the advent and spread of firearms, the blade lost its dominant role in infantry tactics – yet remained indispensable for officers, cavalry and in courtly representation.
The most important types of this era are the rapier (a slender thrusting weapon, 16th/17th century), the degen (a further development of the rapier, lighter and shorter), the sabre (a curved cutting weapon, standard in European armies from the 17th century onwards) and the 19th-century cavalry sword. The distinction from late medieval swords lies in the transitional period of the Renaissance: weapons of the 15th and early 16th centuries are usually still classified as medieval, whilst the rapier is already a genuinely modern weapon. Compared to ancient swords, modern blades differ primarily in their specialised forms and the emergence of industrial production.
Historical development: From the rapier to the cavalry sabre
The Age of the Rapier
In Western Europe, the rapier gradually supplanted the heavy knight’s sword. Fencing schools sprang up in German, Italian and Spanish cities – the duel became a regulated institution. The slender thrusting blade with its artistically crafted guard served both as a weapon of self-defence and a status symbol.
Epees and light sabres
Epees and light sabres became the norm amongst officers. The cavalry recognised that the curvature of a sabre blade offered decisive advantages in terms of cutting power during attacks on horseback. Eastern and Western Europe developed distinct sabre traditions in parallel – Ottoman and Hungarian influences had a significant impact on the design.
Mass production and standardisation
The Napoleonic Wars necessitated the mass production of infantry and cavalry sabres. The French Briquet became the standard weapon of the infantry, whilst the Blücher sabre (M1811) symbolised the Prussian military spirit. National weapon designs established themselves as distinguishing features of the armies.
Industrialisation and the final deployment of the cavalry
Industrialisation further standardised blade production. The British M1912 cavalry sabre is regarded as the last cavalry sabre of a major European power to be used seriously in combat. The First World War marked the definitive end of the blade’s military relevance.
Ceremonial and collector’s items
After the end of the First World War, swords and sabres were worn exclusively at ceremonies and parades. Today, historical replicas are sought-after collector’s items, re-enactment props and decorative objects.
The main types: rapier, sabre, cavalry sword and scimitar
Rapier & basket-hilt rapier
The rapier is the elegant thrusting weapon of the early modern period. The long, slender blade is complemented by an elaborate guard – in the case of the Pappenheimer, a characteristic shell-shaped guard; in the case of the basket-hilted rapier, a closed basket made of iron bars. Both variants are available in our range as hand-forged replicas made of carbon steel.
Sabres & Cavalry Sabres
The sabre, with its characteristic curve, originally hails from the Oriental and Eurasian nomadic horsemen’s regions. From the 17th century onwards, European armies adopted it. Prussia, France, Russia, the USA and Great Britain each developed their own national variants – from the slender US cavalry blade M1860 to the hiltless Russian shashka M1881.
Ottoman scimitar & exotic blades
The Ottoman scimitar epitomises the Oriental sabre tradition with its strongly curved blade and decorative leather scabbard. The Russian Cossack shashka – without a crossguard, with a characteristic scabbard – and the Scottish Culloden type with a brass pommel further illustrate the globally diverse blade culture of the modern era.
Buying a sabre: What to look out for when purchasing a replica
Anyone wishing to buy a sabre or a modern sword faces a number of fundamental decisions – the relevant criteria vary considerably depending on the intended use. The following table provides a structured overview:
| Criterion | Recommendation | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Blade material | Carbon steel | Sharper and more flexible than stainless steel; clearly preferred for practical use and re-enactment – almost all models in the range are made from carbon steel |
| Sharpness | Blunt for exhibition fighting/decoration | Blunt blades for re-enactments, collections and decoration; sharp blades for cutting exercises – observe the Weapons Act |
| Handle design | Wire or leather wrapping | Wire-wrapped handles are historically more authentic; noticeably affect balance and handling |
| Sheath | Steel or leather scabbard | Historical model determines material: cavalry often used steel scabbards, Ottoman types used leather scabbards |
| Price range | €50–193 | Entry-level from approx. €58; more detailed models with brass fittings and elaborate guard up to ~€193 |
Intended uses: Collecting, re-enactment, exhibition combat and decoration
For collectors, the focus is on faithful replicas where the scabbard design, handle material and blade geometry are as close as possible to the historical original. Most models in the range are supplied with a scabbard – meaning the replica can be used immediately as a complete display piece. Replicas of the Prussian officer’s sabre, the Blücher sabre M1811 or the Scottish Culloden sword are particularly suitable for themed collections.
Historical accuracy is crucial for living history re-enactments: the era, nation and rank should match the portrayal. Blunt carbon steel blades are suitable for staged combat displays; specially hardened training swords are recommended for direct contact combat. Modern-era re-enactors are often complemented by appropriate weapons from the respective era.
Modern-era replicas are tried-and-tested props for stage productions and film shoots – the authentic look and weight of real metal blades look far better in photos and on film than plastic versions. Vehi Mercatus supplies film and stage productions with replicas from this range.
Modern swords and sabres look impressive as wall decorations or in a display cabinet – particularly models with brass scabbards, engravings or a lion’s head pommel. Special sword mounts from the sword accessories range are suitable for wall mounting. Modern replicas in the mid-price range are well-suited as gift ideas.
An overview of national variants
- Prussian cavalry sabre M1811 (Blücher sabre): symbol of the Wars of Liberation, curved blade, brass fittings, characteristic bow-shaped scabbard
- French Briquet: Short infantry sabre from the 18th/early 19th century, standard weapon of Napoleon’s infantry, compact design
- Scottish broadsword (Culloden): Highlander-style blade with elaborate brass hilt, symbol of Scottish military history, also available with an engraved blade
- British M1912 cavalry sabre: Britain’s last cavalry sabre to see serious action, straight blade designed for thrusting
- US Cavalry Sabre Model 1860: Standard weapon in the American Civil War, slender, slightly curved blade, black or brown brass hilt
- Russian Shashka M1881: Handle-less weapon of the Cossacks and Dragoons – no crossguard, blade sits deep in the scabbard, distinctive design
- Ottoman scimitar: Strongly curved blade in the Turkish tradition, with high-quality leather scabbard, for enthusiasts of Oriental military history
- Russian Kindschal: Traditional Cossack dagger, double-edged blade, with scabbard – a complementary piece to the shashka display
Legal information regarding sabres in Germany, Austria and Switzerland
A common question when buying a historical sabre: Are sabres permitted? The answer is nuanced. In Germany, it is generally legal to own replicas of historical swords and sabres, provided they are not prohibited weapons under the Weapons Act. The decisive factor is sharpness: blunt decorative blades are subject to significantly fewer restrictions than sharp blades. The public carrying of sharp cutting and stabbing weapons is generally prohibited in Germany under Section 42a of the Weapons Act – with narrow exceptions (e.g. re-enactment events with the appropriate authorisation). Transport in a locked container to the destination is generally permitted. Austria and Switzerland have their own firearms laws with differing regulations, particularly regarding carrying and transport. If you are unsure, we recommend checking the local legal situation or seeking advice from a specialist lawyer – this text is intended solely for general guidance and does not replace legal advice.
From the elegant blade of a Pappenheimer rapier to the mighty cavalry sabre of the Wars of Liberation – in this category you’ll find replicas for every era, every nation and every purpose. Browse through the range or give us a call if you’re unsure which model suits you best.
Frequently asked questions
Owning replica sabres is generally legal in Germany. The key factor is the sharpness of the blade: blunt decorative blades are subject to hardly any restrictions, whilst the public carrying of sharp cutting and stabbing weapons is prohibited under Section 42a of the Weapons Act (WaffG). Transport to the place of use in a locked container is generally permitted. For definitive information, we recommend checking the current legal situation or seeking legal advice.
The sabre has its roots among the nomadic horsemen of Central Asia and the Eurasian steppes, where the curved blade was developed for combat on horseback. Via Ottoman and Hungarian military traditions, the sabre reached Europe from the 17th century onwards and was adapted and further developed there by various nations – Prussia, France, Russia, Great Britain – into national variants.
Important edged weapons of the modern era include the rapier (16th/17th century) with its long, slender blade and artistically designed guard, as well as the sword (17th/18th century) as a lighter development. The Pappenheimer and the basket-hilted rapier are particularly characteristic variants. These are complemented by the officers’ infantry sword, which was carried in European armies until the 19th century.
This question depends on the context: in the Middle Ages, the halberd, lance and longbow were considered particularly effective on the battlefield. In the early modern period, firearms increasingly took on the role of the deadliest weapon in combat, whilst swords and sabres became weapons for close combat and cavalry. The cavalry sabre was regarded as a feared close-combat weapon right up until the 19th century, particularly during surprise attacks on horseback.
For re-enactments of the Napoleonic Wars (c. 1799–1815), the Prussian cavalry sabre M1811 (Blücher sabre) is ideal for Prussian units, the French infantry sabre Model Briquet for Napoleon’s infantry, and the US cavalry sabre M1860 for American Civil War re-enactments. All the models mentioned are available in our range as blunt carbon steel replicas and can be complemented with matching scabbards and mounts.