French Model 1831 Dismounted Artillery Sword w/ Sheath

Western Europe, France, ca. 1831 to 1870 CE. A fine example of a forged-steel Model 1831 sword used by French artillery soldiers when in close-quarters combat. The cast-brass hilt has a broad hand guard with circular quillon, an ovoid handle with seventeen rows of layered scales to improve grip, and a ball-form pommel. The gladius-style blade has a stocky shoulder, sharpened edges, and a pointed tip. Each side of the blade bears a pair of shallow fullers on the top third as well as a longer single fuller on the lower two-thirds. The leather sheath is capped with brass fittings on either end, and a slender strap loop is attached to the top fitting. Based on the Neoclassical design of this sword, it garnered the nickname 'coupe-choux,' meaning "cabbage-cutter." Size (w/ sheath): 4.2" W x 25.4" H (10.7 cm x 64.5 cm); (length of blade): 18.9" L (48 cm).

Provenance: private J.H. collection, Beaverton, Oregon, USA, acquired in September 2015; ex-Fagan Arms, Clinton Township, Michigan, USA

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#151902
Condition Report: Sheath is likely not original to sword but still fits nicely. Minor abrasions and fading to makers' marks on hilt and blade, with abrasions and nicks to sheath and brass fittings, and softening to some hilt details, otherwise intact and very good. Nice patina to blade, hilt, and scabbard.