Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice French "Private Purchase" Triple Edged Infantry Officer's sword, manufactured by Coulax & Co. in Klingenthal, France. After it lost the "Royal Manufactory" status, the factory continued making swords, both for the domestic and export private purchase market. Many swords were exported to the United States during the civil war, and used by both the U.S. and the Confederacy. This sword is triple edged with lovely designs, which are foliate designs and stands of arms, not specific to any country. This way it could be sold to virtually any country and used in service without issue.

The sword is marked on the spine of the blade, within the etching:

This is the post 1838 marking used by Coulax & Cie, who took over the premises of the former Royal Manufactory at Klingenthal after it was closed. It is also marked with two proof marks: ★ / C and ★ / H, which were seen on blades of the Infantry officers swords during the 1845-1855 period. This would put it in period for both the Crimean war as well as the U.S. Civil War. For more information on Coulax & Cie markings please see this website: Fourbisseur Coulax.

The period was the beginning of instability in Europe and the French ministry of war did not want to depend on a state manufacturing company so close to the borders of the country. Klingenthal was found to be exceedingly vulnerable. The production of regulation swords was removed to a more central geographic location: Châtellerault (near Poitier). This proved to be correct, as during the Franco-Prussian War, Klingenthal and the entire Territory of Alsace was captured by Germany in 1870, and not returned until the end of WWI in 1918.

The blade is slightly curved, and has a wide central fuller with another narrow fuller above, and a tip that has a false edge on the top. This was a much straighter design than used previously, introduced in 1845. The blade is in very good condition, showing some light oxidation, as well as some nicks and dings on the edge from service. It has a standard brass ornamented guard, which has some lovely floral designs. The grip looks to be carved horn, with some cracking at the bottom of the grip.

The included steel scabbard is relatively standard, with a worn black painted finish on the exterior. It shows wear but no major denting or bends, and has a single hanger ring at the top.

A very nice French-made Infantry Officer's Sword with scabbard, ready to add to your collection!

Specifications:
Blade length: 30 1/4”
Overall length: 35 3/4”
Scabbard Length: 31"
Basket dimensions: 4 1/2" width x 5 1/2” length