Original French Franco-Prussian War / U.S. Civil War Model 1822 Light Cavalry Saber with Incredible Shrapnel Damage to Blade and Scabbard - Markings Scrubbed
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Original Item. One-of-a-Kind. This is an excellent example of a late 19th Century French Model 1822 Light Cavalry Saber, with what is one of the most incredible bits of shrapnel damage we have ever seen. There is a heavy gouge in the scabbard, which corresponds to damage on the blade, with a nice chunk taken off of the suspension ring mount. This is the sword that the U.S. based their Model 1840 Cavalry saber on, which was later updated in 1860 to use a lighter blade. The model 1822 itself was a replacement for the short lived model 1816, which used a "piped back" blade, which was not well received at all. It features a 36" curved blade with both a wide and narrow fuller, and has an overall length of 42 1/2".
This Model 1822 Light Cavalry Saber was originally marked on the spine of the blade, but as can be seen, the markings are now scrubbed. This was likely done for one of two reasons. It is possible the saber saw use in the Franco-Prussian War, and was captured by the Germans, who would often scrub markings when capturing arms. The other reason could be that the sword was sent to one side of the U.S. Civil War. When weapons were imported during this period, markings would be scrubbed to make it difficult to tell what country sold the weapons.
The spine was originally engraved with the arsenal it was manufactured at, and the designation, Cavalerie Sabre Modèle 1822 (Cavalry Saber Model 1822).
The original thick leather blade buffer is retained, and the only marking remaining on the sword is 1580. on the guard.
The shrapnel damage to the blade and scabbard is nothing short of extraordinary. We can only be hopeful that the wearer was spared from the damage, but this is unlikely.
The scabbard is marked on the suspension ring mount with S.M. on one side, and 21 on the other. The finish has aged well everywhere but near the throat which looks to have had the finish removed at one point.
An exemplary French Cavalry sword that will serve as a centerpiece in any militaria collection. Comes ready to display.
Approximate Dimensions:
Blade Length: 30”
Overall length: 42 ½”
Scabbard length: 37 ⅜”
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