Opinions sought on 2 naval swords

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Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

Ulfberth, thank you for responding on this French example as there is clearly far less known about them than their British counterparts. Well observed on the application of this motto as well, and as we have found on virtually all manner of blade inscriptions, spelling, grammar and linguistics are seldom textbook.

It is interesting also that the period in which this cutlass/hanger was used you note as the Revolutionary period. It is important to note that while this term brings to mind the French Revolution (the Terror), it also refers to the French Revolutionary Wars (1792-1802) involving the 1st Republic of France and the First and 2nd Coalitions with France against several nations.
These were times of war and insurrection in tremendous chaos, so trying to accurately classify arms accordingly is a challenge.

It seems that these swords (sabre de bord) with these S type guards were favored from about 1760 onward, but this most resembles the M1792 (which had the cap type or Phrygian helmet design). This basic form was on the 1782 designs as well with birdhead pommel and capstan.

Primarily however, the M1792 versions were of iron, while the 1782 was brass. It seems that in the times of these 'troubles' from around 1787, there was a shortage of copper, hence the prevalence of iron hilts.

Possibly this was a prototype or transitional form of about this time, as it is noted that pattern types were basically a formalizing of types in use in accord with a regulation date.

Thanks for this ... most interesting