This French model 1845 hilted senior infantry officer’s sword dates to around 1882 and has an 1882 pattern blade. The model 1845 was one of the most popular and widely used of the French army swords and had a beautifully ornate guard. The 1882 pattern barred guard was plain in comparison. Some senior officers preferred the hilt of the earlier model 1845 and coupled it with the epee blade of the new regulation model.
The 820mm, double-edged blade has a single, offset fuller on each side and terminates in a narrow spear point. The blade is in excellent condition with only a few marks from drawing and sheathing the sword. The ricasso is etched with the Klingenthal factory name and an oval cartouche containing the letter “G,” which dates the sword to between 1882 and 1885. The etching on the obverse ricasso would have been the date of manufacture but is now illegible.
The brass guard is cast with pierced roses and laurels with a scroll quillon. The D-guard divides as it joins the capped pommel to allow for the addition of a port epee. The pommel cap is etched with a central rose flanked by laurels. The tang of the blade is peened in the centre of the stepped oval pommel. The guard is in good condition. The ridged horn grip is in excellent condition. The twisted copper wire is intact and tight.
The sabre is complete with its steel scabbard. The scabbard is in good condition with a speckled age patina.
This is a great example of a rare senior French army officer’s 1882 sword with an 1845 pattern hilt.
