Recently scored this beautiful and rare Austrian "Lenk" shell, but more importantly it has been engraved "Østerrigsk Granat - Fredericia 1864," of course indicating that it is an Austrian shell fired at the Battle of Fredericia in 1864 (Second Schleswig War).
What really stands out the most to me is the spelling of "Østerrigsk." It is not quite Danish (Østrigsk), nor German (Österreichisch), but a combination of the two. The core conflict of the Schleswig Wars was ethnic Germans living under Danish rule, and this engraving seems to echo that conflict, showing the blend of German and Danish languages. Very precious and interesting piece.
Being a souvenir rather than a dug relic, the threads for the fuse are just as smooth as they were 170 years ago, so if anyone knows where I can find a corresponding fuse for this shell, please consider reaching out, as I'd love to complete it.
What really stands out the most to me is the spelling of "Østerrigsk." It is not quite Danish (Østrigsk), nor German (Österreichisch), but a combination of the two. The core conflict of the Schleswig Wars was ethnic Germans living under Danish rule, and this engraving seems to echo that conflict, showing the blend of German and Danish languages. Very precious and interesting piece.
Being a souvenir rather than a dug relic, the threads for the fuse are just as smooth as they were 170 years ago, so if anyone knows where I can find a corresponding fuse for this shell, please consider reaching out, as I'd love to complete it.
