What is this? Sword identification and specific model?

[Greg Hunt]

Hello

I am new to this site. Can anyone assist me with some information about this sword? It was found in a trash dump by an acquaintance of mine a couple of years ago. The sword was heavily encrusted with rust. He spent some time and removed most of the rust-enough to see the inscription on the blade. So far I am sure it's manufactured by Chatellrault and the date is either 1847 or 1867. Would like to have some information to get to him. Thanks. Greg Hunt
am new to this site. Can anyone assist me with soem information about this sword?. I was found in a trash dump by an acquanitce a couple of years ago. The sword was healiely encrusted

 

[bobinwmass]

Given the horn grip and Frech marking on spine of blade, appears to be the French officer sword that our Model 1850 Foot Officer was copied from. I don't the various names and model dates of the French swords, but others here do and will chime in

 

[JOHN42768]

Welcome, enjoy

 

[bobinwmass]

Since no one else chimed in yet I little more digging. It's a French Model 1845 Infantry Officer Sword, and pretty early since that looks like an 1847 date. They were made for years, into the 20th century I believe. The following is from Wikipedia regarding the maker.
"The Manufacture d'Armes de Châtellerault ("Châtellerault Weapons Factory"), often abbreviated to MAC, was a French state-owned weapons manufacturer in the town of Châtellerault, Vienne. It was created by a royal decree of 14 July 1819 to manufacture swords, then (after 1850) firearms and cannons."

 

[7th Mississippi Infantry]

Welcome @Greg Hunt.

I'm sure you will soon receive more information than you expected.

 

[Ole Miss]

You need to contact @ucvrelics for expert assistance
Welcome from the Shiloh/Pittsburg Landing Forum and North Mississippi! Be sure and visit the Forum soon.
Regards
David

 

[Seduzal]

Welcome to CWT from the Smoky Mountain side of North Carolina. Just jump right in and enjoy. To get a better overview of these forms you can look here: https://civilwartalk.com/forums/

 

[UCVRelics]

You need to contact @ucvrelics for expert assistance

I am NOT an expert just a dumb ole country boy. @bobinwmass is spot on and I believe this sword did not make it here for the CW. Most of the companies that imported swords from France and other countries would etch the blades with US motifs Eagles, cannons etc. Also, I have never seen these 2 blade marks on a Civil War imported sword. Still a nice looking piece.

 

[Ole Miss]

"A dumb ole country boy" No that is a hoot! I can just see you being taken advantage of by the proverbial city slicker!
Regards
David

 

[Sundance]

Boy, that is one nice find. I'd love to know how he got the rust off so well.

 

[R. Porter]

Nice sword! From my French sword book, written in French, which I can't read, the crown over L over wreath mark is for a director named de Lavalette (1846 - 1848) and the star over B inside a shield is for a controller named F. A. Bish (1843 - 1861) That would suggest that the 1847 date is the correct one. I believe that the French had a sword like this for a rank similar to an American warrant officer, but it wasn't the same thing. They also had a sword like this for company grade officers but I don't know which sword this would be or even if they were different. Since the sword was made well before the American Civil War, it could have made it to America in time, but the difference between could have and did requires some very strong proof. It is also likely to have come home with a GI from World War I, World War II, or post World War II occupation, or by someone who was stationed in Europe after the Occupation, or by someone who immigrated to America, and so on and so forth. As swords go, I've always like these; they tend to feel light and active as compared with, say, a cavalry saber.