Title
French Short Saber (Spadroon)
Description
This expanding guard has a hollowed out knuckle bow into which fits two thin sections that pivot out when needed and lock into position by a spring near the grip's base. A small friction clip from the outboard branch fits through a mid-point hole in the others when closed. The ball pommelled steel hilt includes a dished bilobate counterguard. Its long straight square-backed blade was originally marked "Vive Le Roy", and apparently altered to "Vire La Patrie" during the French Revolution.
Length: 41 3/4"
Blade: 35" x 7/8"
Weight: 1.5 lbs.
Hilt: Steel
Length: 41 3/4"
Blade: 35" x 7/8"
Weight: 1.5 lbs.
Hilt: Steel
Source
George C. Neumann, Swords and Blades of the American Revolution, (Harrisburg: Stackpole Books, 1973), 116. (165.S)
Date
c. 1775-1792
Rights
George C. Neumann Collection, Valley Forge National Historical Park
Identifier
VAFO 366
Original Format
Photogarph