French Model 1821 Infantry Officer Sword
Item #: AA3105
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This is a French Model 1821 Foot Officer's Sword from the Civil War period. The blade measures 29" in length, 1 1/86" wide and has a spine 5/16" wide at the hilt. The overall length of the sword is 34 1/2". This blade has a steel gray patina with scattered spots oxidation across the length of the blade. There are numerous small nicks along the edge of the blade, felt more than seen. There is a stopped fuller that begins at the ricasso and extends for 24" down the blade. The is also a deep and wide false edge above the fuller that measures 15 1/2" in length. The blade has been sharpened at some point. The edge begins 8 1/2" from the guard and runs all the way out to the tip. It still retains a pretty good edge. There are no stamps or markings on either ricasso. The leather throat washer is still reporting for duty. The brass hilt is in good condition, displaying a beautiful mix of a chocolate patina with a darkening golden patina. The guard and grip are tight to the blade, the pommel cap is just a little loose. The guard, quillion and pommel cap all feature decorative floral designs. The wooden grip is covered in leather , with double strand brass wire. The wire is just a little loose, but the leather remains tight to the grip. There is no scabbard with this sword. Stamped on the obverse side of the blade are the letters WCC. This stands for the Western Costume Company. This company was founded in 1912 by L.L. Burns, who had been an Indian trader and had amassed hundreds of American Indian artifacts. Burns got his start in supplying Hollywood with authentic costumes for the Indian characters form William hart, one of the first Cowboy actors of the silent film era. Burns met hart and told him how woefully inaccurate his wardrobe department was concerning the Indian characters. hart hired him on the spot to supply the Indian items necessary for the rest of his films. The Western Costume Company is still in business today, located in Hollywood, California. They provide costumes, weapons, artifacts and many other prop requirements for TV and movie studios on a regular basis. Who knows, this authentic French Model 1821 Infantry Officer saber may have been used Leslie Howard in Gone with the Wind, or John Wayne in Rio Grande, She Wore a Yellow Ribbon, Fort Apache, the list goes on! Either way, this sword was most likely imported for use during the Civil War, and some how made it's way into the costume department of the Western Costume Company. Now it just needs to find a new home in your collection!
Shipping Weight:
3 lbs
Item # AA3105
(Sold)
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