American Revolutionary War NCO Sword, Modified French Louis XV Grenadier c.1735

This American Revolutionary War era NCO mounted or infantry sword is a modified French Louis XV grenadier sword dating circa 1735, likely supplied by France to the Continental Army and used by American soldiers during the War of Independence. The sword features a 72.5 cm curved blade struck with two unidentified maker marks at the forte, a regulation brass hilt with half-heart guard, D-shaped knuckle bow, spherical pommel, and a wooden grip retaining some of its original wire binding, and a chipped tip due to use in combat! The quillon is lacking, a modification often associated with American Revolutionary War use, as soldiers commonly broke off or removed the quillon because it could catch on clothing, belts, or field equipment. This alteration strongly supports American wartime use, and the blade may possibly be American made or modified in America. Similar examples are illustrated in Aries, No. 2, 1967, figures 1-4.

During the reign of Louis XV, grenadiers served as elite shock troops within the French infantry, and swords of this type were issued as practical military sidearms. By the time of the American Revolution, French arms and equipment played a vital role in supplying the Continental cause, especially as the war expanded and American forces relied heavily on imported European weapons. Modified French swords such as this are particularly important because they demonstrate how 18th-century military arms were adapted for American field use rather than preserved in untouched European form.

This is a highly compelling Colonial America and Revolutionary War era sword with the exact kind of field modification collectors look for. The French Louis XV grenadier pattern, American-style quillon removal, brass hilt, surviving wire-bound grip, unidentified blade stamps, and likely Continental Army use make it a strong and research-worthy piece for collectors of Revolutionary War swords, French-supplied American arms, and 18th-century military edged weapons.

Dimensions: Blade measures approximately 72.5 cm.

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