The article is taken from a well-known weapons forum and translated into Russian for our readers.
Soldier's sabers/swords for Chile of the model 1890-1895.
The focus of our topic is the study of two models of sabers. These models reflect the transitions of European influence that this nation experienced in the last years of the nineteenth century. We will study the sabre of the cavalry model of 1890 of Chile and thesabre of the Federal Police of 1895-1896 of Chile.
A little history about Chilean weapons
In Central and South America, you can find unique and very interesting models of sabers. After the collapse of the Spanish Empire and the creation of autonomous states, the lack of a clear arms industry encouraged European knife makers and arms manufacturersto export their products throughout this territory. And Chile was no exception. Since independence, Chileans have been equipped and armed with weapons that were brought from European powers.
The main military influence on the arms industry of Chile was exerted by France after the end of the Napoleonic Wars. Many leaders of the Wars of Independence, such as Bolívar, San Martín or O'Higgins, were inspired by the ideals of the French Revolution. Later, many of Napoleon's former men migrated to a new continent in search of adventure and work. So they found themselves as advisers in the Chilean army.
After Germany's victory in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870–1871, Chile began to emulate Germany. It wanted to reorganize, but the economic crisis and the Pacific War against Peru and Bolivia, the civil war of 1891 slowed down this process. It so happened that German advisers were invited to reorganize the national armed forces and just a few years after that, the Chilean army was completely "Prussianized".
As early as 1944, Germany sent Chile advisers, equipment and uniforms. Even despite the defeat of the German Empire in the First and Second World Wars, its influence in Chile remained consistently strong. Her army faithfully preserved in its military traditions and in ceremonial form the Prussian style, mixed with some French elements. You won't see that in any other Latin American country.
Chilean cavalry sabre model 1890
This sabre needs no introduction, as today it is very common. The 1890 sabre is a French-made contract sabre that was created after the abolition of the soldier's model "Derue's Sabre".
This model of the Chilean sabre consisted of a very thin T-shaped blade, which was intended exclusively for stabbing attacks. The handle consisted of a brass guard, enveloping the arm as much as possible, with perforated holes and slots to facilitate the object. But unfortunately, it was never put on the conveyor of production, with the exception of the officer's model, which was offered by private gunsmiths.
But it turned out that there was a huge potential for the stick. It attracted the attention of both the Dutch and Chilean military, who were very interested in different sabers: the Dutch Sabre Model 1895 (soldier and officer), the Infantry Officer Sabre Model 1897 (reduced guard, with a tubular blade) and the 1955 Model (Honorary Escort Sabre). A big thank you to my good buddy Jannes for helping me figure it out.
The Chilean sabre model was made for export. It was produced directly in France, perhaps because Chile did not have the means to produce its own weapons. French manufacturers such as Châtellerault have also created sabers exported to other countries, so they are stamped by their own inspectors before being re-inspected in the host country. Hence the confusion with the country of origin.
The sabre was made of iron rather than brass and had an enveloping guard. The holes and cutouts are almost the same as in the dertzui Sabre model. The standard handle was replaced with a horn grip and had a pistol ergonomic shape for better girth.
The blade was manufactured and tested at the Châtellerault factory and has a quality control stamp. It was typical in the French manner. On the back was the inscription Mfture Natle Chatt. J. H. These are the initials of Jacob Holzer, an entrepreneur who supplied high-quality iron for the manufacture of the blade. On the obverse of the Ricasso, a Chilean star is stamped. This was a sign that the delivery of the sabre to the unit was controlled by army inspectors.
The result is a lightweight, easy-to-make sabre with a handle. It provided good protection and had a blade capable of delivering chopping and stabbing blows.
However, the biggest drawback of this saber is related to the handle. In all the models I've come across, the handles rattle a bit. It's not a big drawback, but it's unpleasant nonetheless.
Chilean sabre model 1895 for the police
Since Germany had a major influence on Chile, sometime in 1895 a contract was signed with the companies Luneschloss and Eickhorn to export this model. This sabre was used to arm the police, which is now Carabineros.
You don't have to look far to realize that this model is similarto the Prussian saber model of 1889 . This sabre has a nickel-plated steel guard on which the national emblem of Chile is carved. Ribbed Bakelite handle with 2 rivets on each side to add strength, single-ring sheath, steel.
On the blade of the concave shape is engraved "Policia Fiscal Chile".
Chilean sabre model model of 1895 and Prussian sabre/sword model of 1889.
Despite the fact that this is a copy of the Prussian sabre of the sample of 1889 , there are still slight differences in the shape of the handle. The Chilean sabre has a straighter handle, the Prussian sabre has a curved one. The Chilean model is lighter than the Prussian model, and in my opinion more maneuverable.
There are two models of this sabre. One model, perhaps for officers, has a Bakelite handle and steel sheath. And another model, perhaps for soldiers, has a wooden handle without rivets and leather sheaths.
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Sabres/Swords for Chile 1890-1895/ and History of the Chilean People.
The article is taken from a well-known weapons forum and translated into Russian for our readers.
The focus of our topic is the study of two models of sabers. These models reflect the transitions of European influence that this nation experienced in the last years of the nineteenth century. We will study the sabre of the cavalry model of 1890 of Chile and the sabre of the Federal Police of 1895-1896 of Chile.
A little history about Chilean weapons
In Central and South America, you can find unique and very interesting models of sabers. After the collapse of the Spanish Empire and the creation of autonomous states, the lack of a clear arms industry encouraged European knife makers and arms manufacturers to export their products throughout this territory. And Chile was no exception. Since independence, Chileans have been equipped and armed with weapons that were brought from European powers.
The main military influence on the arms industry of Chile was exerted by France after the end of the Napoleonic Wars. Many leaders of the Wars of Independence, such as Bolívar, San Martín or O'Higgins, were inspired by the ideals of the French Revolution. Later, many of Napoleon's former men migrated to a new continent in search of adventure and work. So they found themselves as advisers in the Chilean army.
After Germany's victory in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870–1871, Chile began to emulate Germany. It wanted to reorganize, but the economic crisis and the Pacific War against Peru and Bolivia, the civil war of 1891 slowed down this process. It so happened that German advisers were invited to reorganize the national armed forces and just a few years after that, the Chilean army was completely "Prussianized".
As early as 1944, Germany sent Chile advisers, equipment and uniforms. Even despite the defeat of the German Empire in the First and Second World Wars, its influence in Chile remained consistently strong. Her army faithfully preserved in its military traditions and in ceremonial form the Prussian style, mixed with some French elements. You won't see that in any other Latin American country.
Chilean cavalry sabre model 1890
This sabre needs no introduction, as today it is very common. The 1890 sabre is a French-made contract sabre that was created after the abolition of the soldier's model "Derue's Sabre".
This model of the Chilean sabre consisted of a very thin T-shaped blade, which was intended exclusively for stabbing attacks. The handle consisted of a brass guard, enveloping the arm as much as possible, with perforated holes and slots to facilitate the object. But unfortunately, it was never put on the conveyor of production, with the exception of the officer's model, which was offered by private gunsmiths.
But it turned out that there was a huge potential for the stick. It attracted the attention of both the Dutch and Chilean military, who were very interested in different sabers: the Dutch Sabre Model 1895 (soldier and officer), the Infantry Officer Sabre Model 1897 (reduced guard, with a tubular blade) and the 1955 Model (Honorary Escort Sabre). A big thank you to my good buddy Jannes for helping me figure it out.
The Chilean sabre model was made for export. It was produced directly in France, perhaps because Chile did not have the means to produce its own weapons. French manufacturers such as Châtellerault have also created sabers exported to other countries, so they are stamped by their own inspectors before being re-inspected in the host country. Hence the confusion with the country of origin.
The sabre was made of iron rather than brass and had an enveloping guard. The holes and cutouts are almost the same as in the dertzui Sabre model. The standard handle was replaced with a horn grip and had a pistol ergonomic shape for better girth.
The blade was manufactured and tested at the Châtellerault factory and has a quality control stamp. It was typical in the French manner. On the back was the inscription Mfture Natle Chatt. J. H. These are the initials of Jacob Holzer, an entrepreneur who supplied high-quality iron for the manufacture of the blade. On the obverse of the Ricasso, a Chilean star is stamped. This was a sign that the delivery of the sabre to the unit was controlled by army inspectors.
The result is a lightweight, easy-to-make sabre with a handle. It provided good protection and had a blade capable of delivering chopping and stabbing blows.
However, the biggest drawback of this saber is related to the handle. In all the models I've come across, the handles rattle a bit. It's not a big drawback, but it's unpleasant nonetheless.
Chilean sabre model 1895 for the police
Since Germany had a major influence on Chile, sometime in 1895 a contract was signed with the companies Luneschloss and Eickhorn to export this model. This sabre was used to arm the police, which is now Carabineros.
You don't have to look far to realize that this model is similar to the Prussian saber model of 1889 . This sabre has a nickel-plated steel guard on which the national emblem of Chile is carved. Ribbed Bakelite handle with 2 rivets on each side to add strength, single-ring sheath, steel.
On the blade of the concave shape is engraved "Policia Fiscal Chile".
Chilean sabre model model of 1895 and Prussian sabre/sword model of 1889.
Despite the fact that this is a copy of the Prussian sabre of the sample of 1889 , there are still slight differences in the shape of the handle. The Chilean sabre has a straighter handle, the Prussian sabre has a curved one. The Chilean model is lighter than the Prussian model, and in my opinion more maneuverable.
There are two models of this sabre. One model, perhaps for officers, has a Bakelite handle and steel sheath. And another model, perhaps for soldiers, has a wooden handle without rivets and leather sheaths.
Characteristics:
Model 1890
Saber Length: 35 inch / 90cm
Blade Length: 29.5''/75cm
Weight: 2.01 lbs / 954 g
Model 1895
Sabre length:
37 inches / 94 cm
Blade length:
31 inches / 79 cm
Weight: 1.12 lbs / 810g
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