French Infantry Gladius M1831, “glaive des troupes à pied modèle 1831,” known colloquially as the “coupe choux” meaning “cabbage chopper”.
Its Neo-classical design is based upon the Roman Gladius.
The cast brass hilt has a grip comprising 26 raised ribs. The crosspiece, with flattened circular finials, bears a single inspection poincon. Two additional poincon and an oval cartouche containing the letters “PR,” are stamped on the front of the crosspiece.
The double-edged, flattened diamond-section blade is 483mm in length and is in excellent condition. The ricasso is stamped with the maker’s name “Talabot FS (freres/brothers), Paris” and an oval cartouche containing the letters “PR.”
This is a lovely example of the famous infantry short sword.
