I am surprised I did not see this thread until today, sorry Ian but it is mine now.
The historical possibilities made it hard to pass up and if I have to eat beans and rice for a while so be it. It won't be the first time.
The idea of it being of French origin certainly pleases me and opens up many unprovable possibilities,
a prize from the battle of Puebla? An even earlier relic of the "Pastry war"?
I imagine nationalistic pride rather than necessity caused its reforging and rehilting into a proper Mexican sword.