{"product_id":"american-revolutionary-war-nco-sword-modified-french-louis-xv-grenadier-c-1735","title":"American Revolutionary War NCO Sword, Modified French Louis XV Grenadier c.1735","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAmerican Revolutionary War era NCO mounted or infantry sword\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is a modified French Louis XV grenadier sword dating circa \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1735\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, likely supplied by France to the Continental Army and used by American soldiers during the War of Independence. The sword features a \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e72.5 cm curved blade\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 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 \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003eAries\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, No. 2, 1967, figures 1-4.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDuring the reign of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLouis XV\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Blade measures approximately 72.5 cm.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"x_MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWhy Buy From Us?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul type=\"disc\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"x_MsoNormal\"\u003e5-star rated store trusted by collectors\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"x_MsoNormal\"\u003eFast, reliable shipping\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"x_MsoNormal\"\u003eExpertly handled collectibles, always packed with care\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Collectors Crossroads ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44150051471434,"sku":"VLAD-04","price":2500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0272\/8519\/2778\/files\/37454641.jpg?v=1788378944","url":"https:\/\/collectorscrossroads.com\/products\/american-revolutionary-war-nco-sword-modified-french-louis-xv-grenadier-c-1735","provider":"Collectors Crossroads ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}