SMGL-177 Model 1845 French infantry Officer Sword dated 1846 *SOLD

This authentic example is in pretty decent shape but it does have some issues, which keep the price low. The biggest thing is the scabbard drag (tip) appears to be a crudely (but effective) done replacement. It is loose and will slide right off. Parts can be had for these scabbards if you keep your eyes peeled. The leather, being so old, is fragile and dry but mostly intact. It does have a slight kink in the middle where it was bent at some point. The middle fitting is loose but not sliding off. The upper fitting/throat is loose and will slide right off. All of this is due to the leather shrinking. The sword itself is very nice showing average wear to the blade with some minor oxidation in spots. Actually it’s pretty amazing how good the blade is considering what this sword may have been through. The brass hilt shows lots of dark patina that has built up over the years and combine with the gorgeous black ebony grip, I think it looks very handsome. There originally would have been a grip wire on this grip, but it has been lost at some point. The spine is engraved with a motto (I failed to research this, but I’m sure you can find info on it).and is dated “1846”. I’m not sure if these swords came with this motto or if it was added. It looks light enough that maybe it was added and isn’t a motto at all.

Anyway, a nice original with restoration potential and a reasonable price.