1882 French Infantry Officer's Sword with unknown dedication

**Destroyah** · 02-12-2013, 01:00 AM

I just picked up this 1882 French Infantry Officer's sword. It either has a maker or a dedication in French; even though I know the pictures did not come out very clearly, can someone help me translate this. I will try to add better pictures tomorrow.
Thanks

**bichon** · 02-12-2013, 06:28 PM

Hello
maker mark
Manufacture Nationale d'Armes de Châtellerault
after, nor easy to read
8bre: september 1916
Infrie: Infanterie, something before ??
Mle 1882: model 1882
cordially
Didier

**bichon** · 02-12-2013, 06:34 PM

another example here
http://i1156.photobucket.com/albums/...0616-00262.jpg
Didier

**stuka f** · 02-12-2013, 06:51 PM

Also in use by the Belgian army, at that time.
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**Destroyah** · 02-12-2013, 10:15 PM

Thank you;I don't know how you were able to read what you did since the pictures were so bad.I added 3 more which aren't much better.
regards,
Dave

**Destroyah** · 02-12-2013, 10:16 PM

More pieces to the puzzle.
Thanks,
Dave

**stuka f** · 02-13-2013, 07:45 AM

Funny feeling I have seeing the new pic's!!
I don't like the finish of the sword (and what should be an engraving!).
Not saying thise one is a repro for sure, but i know they are faked, and have serious doubts on thise one.
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**bichon** · 02-13-2013, 07:52 AM

Hello stuka
no problem with that stamp
have you seen my link, I can find other examples
1882 are very common, not scarce at all
cordially
Didier

**Destroyah** · 02-13-2013, 02:22 PM

Thanks for the post, but I am absolutely sure that this sword is authentic.The wear patterns on the guard, the tip, etc. convince me so.To make a reproduction of this quality would cost hundreds of dollars.
What might be bothering you is that there is some slight blistering of the plating, which has taken place in some spots and my pictures aren't the best.
Regards,
Dave