French 1882M Colonial Infantry Officer's Sword, Initials, Paris, Sold

In good condition, a French 1882 Model (variant) Colonial Infantry Officer's Sword, Owner's Initials, made by a Fourbisseur (Spiquel) in Paris.

A variant in that the original officer owner had the Fourbisseur make the hilt / guard with four bars rather than three to give better hand protection. This sword bears the Fourbisseur mark for Spiquel in Paris and has the extra length 90 cm blade (this was the maximum length set for this sword model). The pommel bears the original officer's initials, "A D".

The 90 cm blade is in good condition and firm in the hilt. The hilt is equally good. The walnut grip also good but some of the twisted grip wires are missing or astray. The steel scabbard is mostly good but has a kink towards the drag / chape. The sword sheathes and draws well though the scabbard has lost its single tightening screw near the throat.

A nice example of a pretty scarce sword. Yours for £? 9too late, now sold). Please quote item reference S71 (0695). Further / full sized images available upon request.