Rare Swiss Model 1878 Faschinenmesser w/ 1900 Bayonet Fortress Rig

This is a rarely seen set that has both a Pioneer short sword with sawback blade, and the Swiss Model 1900 Bicyclist's bayonet in a special combination frog. The short sword measures 25" overall, with a 19 7/16" straight, sawback blade having single fuller on the reverse. The ricasso is marked "(Swiss Cross) / S.J.G. NEUHAUSEN / 9400 / 89", and the steel has an overall streaked gray patina with scattered spots of dark freckling throughout. The hilt has a brass crossguard with short, reversed quillons, and disk finials, checkered walnut grips fastened by five rivets per side, and a domed brass pommel. The brass has an overall yellow-ochre patina with numerous minor handling marks and small surface blemishes throughout. The attached bayonet is a Swiss Model 1900 Bayonet (made using only the blade portion of the earlier Swiss Peabody socket bayonets) that measures 19 3/4" overall, with a 15 1/8" straight, angular blade having four hollow-ground flutes along its length. The steel retains traces of the original blued finish on protected areas with the balance turned to a dark, blue-gray patina. The guard has a muzzle-ring and single, very short quillon, along with a push-button latch at the pommel. Both blades are housed in original black leather scabbards, held by a unique double frog with "GOTLL. LUTHY / 05 / OB. ENDIGEN" maker's label on the back. These sets were worn by troops manning the fortresses guarding the Alpine approaches into Switzerland, including the famous Gotthard Pass in northern Switzerland. These sets are rarely seen, especially in the US, and this example is in fine-near excellent condition.