Corpse carrier sword 19thc Austro-Hungary and mourning swords

Jim McDougall · 29th July 2025, 03:57 AM

Today I received the book I've been waiting for:
"With Drawn Sword: Austro-Hungarian Edged Weapons from 1848-1918", M.Christian Ortner; Erich Artlieb, 2006, p.523,

This exact sword form is shown as a 'mourning sword' but more austere than the faceted smallsword also captioned the same. Both are to the IMPERIAL HOUSEHOLD.
The Royal funerary traditions and protocols of the Habsburg's were detailed, dramatic, almost theatrical and more. The ceremony extended to virtually all the court figures from Princes, Dukes and high ranking nobles.
It seems reasonable that specifically appointed regalia would be in place for these elaborate events, and these swords ...though not mentioned in the pages of description, as typically the case regarding swords. ..are unique.

In my opinion the sword of our discussion is likely indeed for pall bearers in these elaborate Habsburg processions, while the more elegant faceted smallswords more for the dignitaries and ranking court figures.

This sword was likely in use during the Royal Court of Emperor of the Austro-Hungarian Empire Franz Josef I and his wife Elizabeth of Bavaria, Queen of Hungary post 1867.

Most descriptions of mourning swords note that they were not necessarily blackened or in somber tones but actually might be worn in any regular dress capacity. The notice to George Washington's 'mourning sword' which was one of his seven swords, was actually a M1767 French officers epee which he acquired from London c. 1770, and while he indeed wore it to funerals and such somber events, it was not black, nor darkened. However the belt and attachments do appear to be black or darkened.

29th July 2025, 03:57 AM	#1
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,453	Finally got it! Today I received the book I've been waiting for: "With Drawn Sword: Austro-Hungarian Edged Weapons from 1848-1918", M.Christian Ortner; Erich Artlieb, 2006, p.523, This exact sword form is shown as a 'mourning sword' but more austere than the faceted smallsword also captioned the same. Both are to the IMPERIAL HOUSEHOLD. The Royal funerary traditions and protocols of the Habsburg's were detailed, dramatic, almost theatrical and more. The ceremony extended to virtually all the court figures from Princes, Dukes and high ranking nobles. It seems reasonable that specifically appointed regalia would be in place for these elaborate events, and these swords ...though not mentioned in the pages of description, as typically the case regarding swords. ..are unique. In my opinion the sword of our discussion is likely indeed for pall bearers in these elaborate Habsburg processions, while the more elegant faceted smallswords more for the dignitaries and ranking court figures. This sword was likely in use during the Royal Court of Emperor of the Austro-Hungarian Empire Franz Josef I and his wife Elizabeth of Bavaria, Queen of Hungary post 1867. Most descriptions of mourning swords note that they were not necessarily blackened or in somber tones but actually might be worn in any regular dress capacity. The notice to George Washington's 'mourning sword' which was one of his seven swords, was actually a M1767 French officers epee which he acquired from London c. 1770, and while he indeed wore it to funerals and such somber events, it was not black, nor darkened. However the belt and attachments do appear to be black or darkened. Attached Images