French Second Empire, 1854 Pattern Cavalry Sword, Chatellerault 1864

Original period manufacture. A heavy, straight-bladed cavalry saber introduced in 1854. The 36 inch polished steel blade runs straight and true, with numerous period markings on its spine, manufactured 1864, pattern 1854, and modified in 1882. Three branch brass guard and pommel cap, leather covered wooden grip bound with a single strand of twisted brass wire.Heavy steel scabbard, with a steel patina finish, dent-free surface.At some point in the past it lost the lower suspension fitting.Overall it is quite presentable for its age, and represents a classic mounted weapon of the era of Napoleon III, no doubt seeing service during the Franco-Prussian War.