ANTIQUE - 1852 Prussian Pattern German Cavalry Sabre by August & Albert Schnitzer, Solingen, approx 1865-1875, Shark skin grip, no scabbard

This is an 1852 Pattern German Sabre by August & Albert Schnitzer, of Solingern (A&AS). It has several unique features. While it has the standard 1849 Hussar-style basket hilt, standard on the 1852, also found on World War 1 officer's sabres, it features an odd-length 32 7/8-inch blade and a Bavarian style grip with seemingly no provision for the typical leather finger loop typically found on these sabres. The lack of finger loop is also typical of Bavarian grips and of the earlier 1849.

It seems as if some  officer had enough money to get his sword tailored, with a mismash of earlier features, and he wanted his Prussian pattern sword to be distinctly Bavarian. That's our uneducated theory, at least. 

This sword style was seen all the way until WWI, but this example was made between 1865 and 1875, based on the manufacturer. Due to the mix of features, it probably hails from the early days of German unification where military standardization was not yet being fully enforced.  Based on the "Made in Germany" stamp, obviously added later, this was likely exported from Germany in the early 20th Century.

Condition is very good. There is some petina and rust on the blade. The blade has never been sharpened, but shows some use. The shark skin-wrapped grip is in fantastic condition for its age. See pictures for more. There is no scabbard.