American Revolutionary Period French M1767 Grenadier Saber

Description

During the American Revolution, the Colonies depended on foreign assistance. Early in the
conflict, Benjamin Franklin, already a skilled and successful ambassador of considerable
repute, went to France and was instrumental in securing their financial and military support.
This began with money and arms, and eventually led to sending the French Fleet, which
secured the British defeat and surrender at Yorktown in 1781. One of the arms provided to
the Colonists was the Model 1767 Grenadier Saber, an infantry sidearm. It is reported that
they provided more than 25,000 of these to the Colonies during the war. It features two-
piece cast brass hilt, with stirrup guard and ribbed grip; large pommel button. Curved 25″
(63.5 cm) single-edged blade with broad full-length fuller, double-edged for the last 4″, and
featuring partially obscured engraved decoration over the upper third; no visible maker
markings. Hilt cleaned, showing minor handling marks; blade with considerable wear and
patches of light to moderate pitting and age staining. Overall length 30 5/8″ (77.8 cm).