The French model 1882 cavalry sword was adopted for service on the 22nd August 1882, for issue to all cavalry regiments. Manufacture of the Mle 1882 ended in 1886, after less than four years of production.
This example was made at the Chatellerault armoury in May 1883 and is complete with its matching serial numbered scabbard.
The 870mm single-edged blade has a deep fuller below the flat spine and terminates in a spear point. The blade has a 150mm upper false edge. The blade retains its factory sharpened edge and plated finish with minimal age and use-related wear. The original blade washer is also present.
The spine is engraved with the armoury details and date of manufacture as well as the pattern designation.
The three-bar brass guard is in very good condition. The knuckle bow is stamped with the issue number, 284 along with three Chatellerault armoury inspection marks. The beaked quillon is also stamped with armoury inspection marks.
The leather wrapped grip is in very good condition and the twisted brass wire is intact and tight.
The sword is complete with its 1882 pattern steel scabbard with single suspension ring. The scabbard bears the matching issue number 284. The mouth of the scabbard bears an inspection stamp and the top of the scabbard bears an additional two stamps. The edge of the scabbard at the top is stamped with what might be a unit designation, 4 22, and the possible troop designation E 2.
The suspension ring band bears the issue number 284.
The scabbard is in overall excellent condition with one small patch of shallow pitting below the ring band. The sword sheathes and draws smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard.
This is an excellent example of a hard-to-find French M1882 cavalry sword with matching numbered scabbard.
