Portuguese cavalry saber

[fernando]

The model yes, might have been known to Portuguese forces but, this specific example doesn't appear to be a Portuguese import. In the place were these 'late' pattern swords used to be property marked by the Arsenal do Exercito (AE) there are digits worth of further reasoning, possibly those of a Regiment ?. Also that mark in the guard near the ricasso doesn't seem to be Portuguese. Interesting also the way Birmingham is initialized; doesn't seem to make sense.
Ah ... the dragging swords (espadas de arrasto). It is said that fancy horsemen even reinforced the chapes (here also called mud guards) with iron straps, to make them last longer. Still in the extreme they reached severe wearing.
(Picture courtesy Eduardo Nobre).
And by the way Bruno, is it my eyes or that scabbard looks too large for your sword ? Probably the picture angle is tricking me


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