M1890 Stahlrohrlanze

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	Weapon: M1890 Stahlrohrlanze Type: Cavalry Lance Country of Origin: Germany Year Adopted: 1890 Caliber: Action: Thrusting Overall Length (mm): 2600.0 Weight (kg): 1.00 Effective Range (m): 0

The M1890 Stahlrohrlanze, or "Steel Tube Lance," was a cavalry weapon adopted by the German Empire in the late 19th century. It represented an evolution in lance design, moving away from traditional wooden shafts to a hollow steel construction, which significantly improved its durability while keeping it lightweight. The lance measured around 3.2 meters in length and featured a sharp, pointed steel tip, optimized for use in cavalry charges. The hollow steel tube design gave the M1890 added resilience against breakage and wear, making it a reliable weapon for cavalry units across Europe.

Production of the M1890 Stahlrohrlanze was undertaken by various German armament manufacturers to meet the demand for a modernized cavalry weapon during a time when mounted troops still held an important tactical role. Exact production figures are not well-documented, but thousands were likely produced to equip the German cavalry divisions extensively. This lance was part of a broader military initiative to standardize equipment and modernize the German army leading up to World War I. The M1890 was widely distributed among German cavalry units, and similar designs were adopted by other nations, influenced by its innovation and practicality.

The M1890 Stahlrohrlanze became one of the last significant lance models used by a European army, as technological advancements in firearms and artillery rendered traditional cavalry tactics largely obsolete by the end of World War I. However, the M1890 remains notable as a symbol of the transitional period in military history where traditional cavalry met the rapid advancement of modern warfare. Today, surviving examples of the M1890 are rare and are highly valued by collectors and historians, offering a glimpse into the martial traditions and strategic doctrines of pre-World War I Europe.