French, Model 1831 Artillery Infantry Short Sword (Glaive), by Talabot, Paris,  Early July Monarchy Era c.1830-1848

*French, Model 1831 Artillery Infantry Short Sword (Glaive), by Talabot, Paris,  Early July Monarchy Era c.1830-1848*

An original French July Monarchy-era Model 1831 Foot Artillery short sword (glaive) retaining its solid brass hilt and straight, double-edged steel blade with pronounced diamond cross-section and spear-point profile. The ricasso is crisply stamped with the distinctive arched “TALABOT / PARIS” maker mark associated with the respected Talabot Frères firm, a major French private military contractor active during the early-to-mid 19th century.

Directly above the maker’s mark is a clear oval French military inspection poinçon featuring the letter “R” beneath a star, confirming official state ordnance inspection and military acceptance. Additional matching inspection cartouches are present to the brass crossguard, including a small oval “B.R.” poinçon attributed to Blandat-Renard, a French military contrôleur / examineur active during the July Monarchy period. A deeply struck single-digit “9” issue or rack number is additionally stamped to the centre of the guard.

The hilt follows the classic French gladius-derived form with heavy ribbed brass grip, rounded pommel, and distinctive circular quillon terminals. Drawing inspiration from classical Roman sidearms, this robust pattern was primarily issued to foot artillery, engineers, and auxiliary troops, serving both as a defensive weapon and practical field tool.

The blade retains its original straight, double-edged form with visible medial ridge extending toward the spear-point tip. The surface displays an attractive untouched aged appearance with darkened grey patina, scattered oxidation, and evidence of long-term service and storage throughout.

Approx. Measurements – 47.6 cm blade length, 63 cm overall length.

History Note:
Introduced in 1831, these robust short swords became a standard sidearm of French artillery and auxiliary units during the July Monarchy period (1830–1848). The term “July Monarchy” refers to the reign of King Louis-Philippe I, established following the July Revolution of 1830 (“Les Trois Glorieuses”), when the French people overthrew the Bourbon King Charles X after three days of street fighting and barricade uprisings in Paris between 27–29 July 1830. Louis-Philippe styled himself “King of the French” rather than “King of France,” presenting himself as a constitutional “Citizen King” aligned with the growing industrial and middle classes rather than the old aristocracy. French troops nicknamed the Model 1831 pattern “coupe-chou” (“cabbage cutter”) owing to its effectiveness as both a weapon and brush-clearing camp tool. The design later influenced several foreign artillery sword patterns, including the United States Model 1832 Artillery Sword. Alongside major state arsenals such as Klingenthal and Châtellerault, private contractors including Talabot Frères supplied edged weapons under official government contract. Military inspection poinçons applied by contrôleurs verified that each weapon had passed ordnance examination before formal acceptance into state service.

*Condition*
Overall displaying honest age and service wear throughout. The heavy brass hilt retains a pleasing aged tone with handling marks, scratches, areas of surface wear, and traces of original protective lacquer. The straight steel blade shows oxidation, grey patina, dark spotting, minor edge wear, and age-related surface marking throughout, while retaining excellent overall form and its characteristic diamond cross-section. Ricasso markings, rack numbers, and inspection poinçons remain exceptionally clear and well-struck. No scabbard present. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

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