Dear friends,
Apart from Bulgarian daggers I collect and Bulgarian swords too.
So I would like to share with you my modest collection.

For the period from liberation from Turkish slave 1878 until 1944 about 30 kinds and models sword have been used
Unfortunately I don’t own all kind of swords.
In the beginning Bulgarian army used Russian’s swords.
In 1879 Bulgarian national assembly vote in duke Alexander Batenberg to lead Bulgaria.
In 1887 Bulgarian national assembly voted for new leader Ferdinand Saxe-Coburg-gotha - king Ferdinand I .
After the First Second world in 1918 began the reign of his son king Boris III.
So I’ll share with you some sword from these periods.
First sword is from Alexander I period - officers sword /shashka/ model 1884
The sword has been produced in Russia. Extremely rare – only 500 pieces have been produced.

For the period from liberation from Turkish slave 1878 until 1944 about 30 kinds and models sword have been used
Unfortunately I don’t own all kind of swords.
In the beginning Bulgarian army used Russian’s swords.
In 1879 Bulgarian national assembly vote in duke Alexander Batenberg to lead Bulgaria.
In 1887 Bulgarian national assembly voted for new leader Ferdinand Saxe-Coburg-gotha - king Ferdinand I .
After the First Second world in 1918 began the reign of his son king Boris III.
So I’ll share with you some sword from these periods.
First sword is from Alexander I period - officers sword /shashka/ model 1884
The sword has been produced in Russia. Extremely rare – only 500 pieces have been produced.

The monogram of prince Alexander I Battenberg

The inscription on the reverse of the blade - God with us
If there is any interest on this topic, tom0rrow I’ll continue with other swords.

Please continue.

It looks like you have been able to [put together a substantial number of the models. I am surprised at the condition, considering their age.

I have put together a modest collection of basic US swords.

I certaianly can understand your enthusiasm.

Pleae continue.

pesho

Interesting and informative topic.

Look forward to additional photos/descriptions.

Thanks.

Yes, please continue and thank you!

Yes, please continue, the history is as much appreciated as the pictures.

pesho,

Very, very nice!

Bill

Officer’s sword /shashka/ model 1884 from King Ferdinand I period.

The sword is the same as Alexander I Battenberg sword same design and same scabbard.
The difference is the blade with monogram of King Ferdinand I.
Two orders have been made - in Russia and other in Germany.
I own both swords.

Russians type sword.

The monogram King Ferdinand I

The sword produced by Carl Kaizer & Co. Solingen Germany has very rare rectangle monogram.

As you can see the differences between both swords are - first in the floral motives and second –difference letters.

Naval sword model 1902

No masters marks.

1

2

Officer’s sword model 1903 – King Ferdinand I period

The blade

I have seen swords with 4 different master marks - Carl Kaizer & Co, Pack, Carl Eickhorn and WKC.
Grips with different design.

Police officer's sword King Ferdinand I period.

Jandarmerie officer's sword King Ferdinand I period.

very nice collection. it should give you a proud feeling to have a grouping of your country's swords.

Wow,
Very impressive collection, beautiful etchings. Well done.

Rich

BarryG and Pitbull63 tank you very much for yours compliments for my modest collection.
Actually there are many beautiful Bulgarian swords, but unfortunately they are unknown to the European collectos.
Like this two amazing swords.
First is King Ferdinand model 1905 with Damascus blade.

Second one also is King Ferdinand model 1905 with gold blade – award for excellent shooting.
Unfortunately both swords are not from my collection, but I do hope that one day I’ll hook these swords on the wall at my home. Dreams, sweet dreams.

Lets continue.
Naval NCO sword model 1902.
Plane blade, no master's mark.

Guard sword model 1903.Unfortunately missing the skin and wire on the handle.

a

For all swords from King Ferdinand I period,have been used two kinds of knots and two kinds of suspension straps – brocate and leather.

Now I would like to share with you some swords from King Boris III period.

Officers sword model 1927.
I have 5 swords all have been made by Carl Eickhorn.

Encryption on the blade:"For the King and Fatherland”

WONDERFUL!!! So nice when you get to see items that are not often made available. THANKS for sharing. Peace, M

Sorry, I have forgotten the last two King Boris III swords, which I have.
Officers cavalry sword - "Forward".
Producecer Johan Zelinka Wien.
Enscription on the blade: Forward and For the King and Fatherland.

Police sword model 1941.
Bulgaria has bought 2000 french blade for this sword.All other parts are Bulgarian.

Pesho

Very interesting. Thanks for showing.

What distinguishes a police sword from an army sword- the French blade? Length? Other?

At first sight the both swords are identical and only different is the portepee – infantry officer’s sword has brown, the police sword has black leather portepee.

But actually there are differences:
1.- The police sword is heavy, massive, offensive weapon.
2.- The blade – officer’s has engraved, police plane blade.
3.- Due to the fact that the hilt of the police sword has been made in Bulgaria, it’s has poor quality in comparison with the German made hilts.

Pesho,

Many thanks for showing these and particularly in explaining the differences in the Police sword and the Infantry Officer sword. Was there a difference in the enlisted/NCO and officer swords for the police or where they the same?

In his book “The weapons of the Bulgarian policeman” mr. Agop Kazasjan mentioned these 2000 swords were intended for the cavalry police units only. As I have mentioned these are offensive, not parade’s swords.
Police officers have worn a dagger only.

First model dagger.

Second model dagger.

I have to specify that the sword “ Forward” also is offensive, not parade’s sword, intended for the cavalry infantry units.
I have never seen other offensive sword with engraved blade.

Thanks for the clarification Pesho.

Pesho, additional "thanks" for responding & clerifying my Police vs Army ID question.

Interesting.

BTW, does the police saber shown (Bulgarian manufacture?) have a painted metal grip?

Well, the grip doesn’t have any visible master’s marks, but is well known fact that the grip has been made by Kerestedjev, one of the biggest producer of Bulgarian edge weapon and accessories.
Yes, the handle is painted metal.

Thanks.

My Christmas present just arrived – extremely rare diplomatic sword King Ferdinand’s period.

I need your help. The master’s mark is behind the shield. Despite of my efforts, I couldn’t succeed to see clearly the marks. There are well visible only two letters – S H and the third one could be F, P, R or D

I did some research and find out SH could be Samuel Hoppe.
The problem is that as per R Dellar, Samuel Hoppe & Sohn was listed in Solingen as producers from 1827-1861> There is and other statement that he has worked until 1885, but prince Ferdinand was elected on 1887.

Any suggestion what the abbreviations SH may mean?

kk

I can not help with the id but congratulations and Merry Christmas. What a great find.

very nice congrat and Merry Christmas.TB