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Post by bullnose on Sept 11, 2020 22:04:02 GMT
I'm a history buff and obscure detail nerd. I have recently gotten interested in researching and eventually collecting some 19th century French swords. I have a few questions I'm hoping those with more experience can answer:
First, was the grip on the 1821 infantry officer sword leather wrapped? The photos I've seen appear that it was, but I can't be sure.
Second, it looks like the 1845 and 1845/55 infantry swords were not leather wrapped, but rather were polished horn or wood and the wire was wrapped in the grooves sans a leather covering. Is this correct? Were there leather wrapped variants?
Third, it appears the various iterations of the cavalry sabers/swords from 1822 through 1900 all had leather wrapped wood grips. Is this accurate?
The reason I ask these questions is I often see the different models of these swords for sale and many are missing the wire wrap, and in some instances the leather grip wrap. If I bought such a specimen I'd want to restore any missing parts in a period correct manner.
Thanks in advance -
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Uhlan
Member
Posts: 3,121
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Post by Uhlan on Sept 17, 2020 20:40:38 GMT
The horn grip on my M1821 Officer was wrapped with shagreen. The regulation for Infantry Officers grips was uncovered buffalo horn, often painted black and highly polished, according to l'Hoste. By regulation only troopers had a leather covered wood grip. As Officers could, to a degree, do whatever they wanted, you'll find some variations on the regulation themes, though for the troopers the rules were quite strict. Not many Officers would have liked to have leather covered grips as this was typical for troopers. Shagreen was and still is a luxury item, so this was okay. Officers horn grips lasted for the entire 19th century up to today, though I suspect that the F1 may have plastic grips too. 3. If you talk French Army: Again leather for troopers as standard per regulation. Officers could do whatever, see above, but many Cavalry Officers used leather over wood grips as this was more practical and gave a secure grip in the field. Cavalry Officers sabres made for ceremony, parades and more social occasions again may show more luxurious solutions. As did many deluxe Officers field sabres to complicate matters. If you want to know what the cover was when this is gone, try to look and poke around under the pommel cap. Hope this helps you out a bit.
Cheers.
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Post by bullnose on Sept 18, 2020 16:03:40 GMT
Thank you Uhlan, that is a tremendous help. You are a scholar and gentleman.
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