FRENCH 1883 CAVALRY OFFICERS SWORD
HISTORY
The 1883 French cavalry officer's sword is a specific model with a three-bar half-basket steel guard, a straight, single-fullered blade, and a fishskin grip wrapped with silver wire. The blade is marked with the model and manufacturer details, such as "Mre d'Armes de Chatl Fevrier 1884" and "Offer = de Cavrie Mle 1883 Entse Henry".
- Model: This sword is the Model 1883 cavalry officer's sword, also referred to as the "Officiers de Cavalerie Mle 1883".
- Service: Examples have been linked to high-ranking officers who saw service in various campaigns.
- Evolution: It is a later-model sword, following other designs like the Model 1822 and 1829 sabers.
ITEM DESCRIPTION
- Hilt: A steel, three-bar half-basket guard with a plain back strap.
- Grip: Made of fishskin and bound with silver wire in excellent condition.
- Blade: A bright straight, single-fullered blade that extends to a spear point. It has a specific fuller design on each side.
- Markings: The blade is manufacturer engraved to the spine.
- Scabbard: A plain steel scabbard with a single loose ring on a band near the throat.
- The whole of the sword has seen very little use as it still has the original shellac finish to the scabbard and hilt