French Pattern 1882 Infantry Officer’s Sword and Scabbard

~ French Pattern 1882 Infantry Officer’s Sword and Scabbard ~

This is the 1882 French model infantry officers sword (épée d’Officier d’infanterie Mle 1882), which was a stiff, thrust-centric sword with no real edge to speak of. The profile taper is pronounced and fairly even, with the blade forming a very neat point, however the distal taper is somewhat less pronounced, adding to the stiffness of the blade.
Many french swords used “german silver” or nickel silver for their hilts, this however has a steel hilt, coated nickel.
The blade and hilt are nickel coated, as is the steel dress scabbard. The grip is made of horn, presumably buffalo.
This pattern of sword would have seen use in world war 1, however this particular example predates those events, and has not seen use.

The blade is marked Paris on one side and bears the manufacturer’s mark on the other.

~ Condition ~

The sword is in excellent condition for its age.

JAQB00