Shipwreck Recovered Sword Grip For Identification

M ELEY · 28th June 2014, 04:30 AM

Ha! I found it! Its a m1767 French Grenadiere sword. Remember that in this time period, there were no specific models of naval swords for any nation. Officers carried whatever pleased their own taste. Brass hilt types were popular at sea as they retarded rust oxidation. There were several French naval patterns of swords from this period worn by officer types, which very closely resembled the common briquits worn by infantry and such, but no solid rules to what was required. Shorter bladed hangers and infantry swords were also popular as they were more efficient on crowded ship's decks and were less likely to get caught in the rigging when being swung.

Officers could basically choose which type of sword they wished to carry. In Annis' "Swords for Sea Service", the Maritime Museum identifies even cavalry types, baskethilts, foot officer's swords, etc, etc, going to sea.

One final postulation that has to be considered is whether this shipwreck was transporting military troops (i.e. non-naval, and thus a grenadiere sword) or whether your ship might have been a privateer (PIRATE!

), in which case, any manner of sword would have been carried.

Here's one from Dmitri's excellent site-
www.sailorinsaddle.com/product.aspx?id=1396

dana_w · 28th June 2014, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M ELEY

Ha! I found it! Its a m1767 French Grenadiere sword.

Thanks M ELEY, that is a great help.

The ship was large and copper bottomed. Both cannons and encrusted muskets / musket parts were recovered from her. As I photograph more items I will post some of them here.

dana_w · 28th June 2014, 11:48 PM

For comparison purposes here is a "FRENCH GRENADIER HANGER C.1767" which sold recently at auction next to the recovered grip.

M ELEY · 29th June 2014, 02:38 AM

Great! Looking forward to more pics!

dana_w · 30th June 2014, 10:35 PM

I've found indications that the grip is most likely from a French Marine Cutlass / Briquet. It was based on the Model 1767, but lacks the reverse langets on the stirrup guard.

M ELEY · 1st July 2014, 02:46 AM

Good work, Dana! As mentioned, the brass-hilted French swords of that period were all very similar. The briquet and its many patterns are a study unto themselves. The marine model absolutely fits the history, though.

28th June 2014, 04:30 AM	#1
M ELEY Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: NC, U.S.A. Posts: 2,163	Ha! I found it! Its a m1767 French Grenadiere sword. Remember that in this time period, there were no specific models of naval swords for any nation. Officers carried whatever pleased their own taste. Brass hilt types were popular at sea as they retarded rust oxidation. There were several French naval patterns of swords from this period worn by officer types, which very closely resembled the common briquits worn by infantry and such, but no solid rules to what was required. Shorter bladed hangers and infantry swords were also popular as they were more efficient on crowded ship's decks and were less likely to get caught in the rigging when being swung. Officers could basically choose which type of sword they wished to carry. In Annis' "Swords for Sea Service", the Maritime Museum identifies even cavalry types, baskethilts, foot officer's swords, etc, etc, going to sea. One final postulation that has to be considered is whether this shipwreck was transporting military troops (i.e. non-naval, and thus a grenadiere sword) or whether your ship might have been a privateer (PIRATE! ), in which case, any manner of sword would have been carried. Here's one from Dmitri's excellent site- www.sailorinsaddle.com/product.aspx?id=1396 Last edited by M ELEY; 28th June 2014 at 04:44 AM.

28th June 2014, 11:48 PM	#3
dana_w Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Southeast Florida, USA Posts: 436	For comparison purposes here is a "FRENCH GRENADIER HANGER C.1767" which sold recently at auction next to the recovered grip. Attached Images

29th June 2014, 02:38 AM	#4
M ELEY Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: NC, U.S.A. Posts: 2,163	Great! Looking forward to more pics!

30th June 2014, 10:35 PM	#5
dana_w Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Southeast Florida, USA Posts: 436	I've found indications that the grip is most likely from a French Marine Cutlass / Briquet. It was based on the Model 1767, but lacks the reverse langets on the stirrup guard.

1st July 2014, 02:46 AM	#6
M ELEY Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: NC, U.S.A. Posts: 2,163	Good work, Dana! As mentioned, the brass-hilted French swords of that period were all very similar. The briquet and its many patterns are a study unto themselves. The marine model absolutely fits the history, though.