Short Sword of Czechoslovak Military Airmen

18.4.2024

General Stanislav Čeček came up with the idea of introducing a sidearm weapon for officers and sergeants of the Czechoslovak Air Force in 1925.

At that time, in addition to his position as the head of the Military Office of the President of the Republic, he was also the head of the Third Department (Aviation) of the Ministry of National Defence. The sabre had already been introduced in the army for officers, but it was not suitable for airmen. It was therefore decided to create a shorter sword for them.

The final form of the weapon was the work of architect Mr. Sucharda. By the Bulletin of the Ministry of National Defence of 28 November 1925, this sidearm was introduced under the Czech designation „Kordík“.

The original Bulletin further prescribes: "All field pilots, field observers and air gunners appointed by the MNO Bulletin with the rank of not less than sergeant-major are entitled to wear and receive the cords."

This sidearm was to be worn on all official and ceremonial occasions.On duty, it was hung from the officer's belt by two carabiner straps and worn under the blouse with the walking uniform.

This sidearm was still worn by the Slovak Air Force airmen after the occupation of the Czechoslovakia by German Republic in 1939.

Description of the sword

Decorated with a slightly curved two-armed shield, above the ricasus it is formed from the front and back by the Czechoslovak national emblem (lion) placed in a diamond which is bordered by a circle. The upper arm of the shield is to represent the wings of the biplane. The inserted handles of the decorated elm are lined on both sides with a horn. It is then finished with a square upper guard fastened with an oval screw terminal (upper screw). All metal parts of the hilt are plated with old brass.