Sabers / Broadswords for Chile of the sample 1890-1895 / and the History of the Chilean people.

The article is taken from a well-known weapons forum for our readers.

The focus of the study 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 19th century. We will be studying Chile’s 1890 Cavalry Model Saber and Chile ‘s 1895-1896 Federal Police Saber .

A bit of 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 cutlers and arms manufacturers to export their products throughout this territory . And Chile was no exception . Since independence, the Chileans have been equipped and armed with weapons that were brought from the European powers.

The main military influence on the Chilean arms industry was France after the end of the Napoleonic Wars. Many leaders of the wars of independence, such as Bolivar, San Martin or O’Higgins, were inspired by the ideals of the French Revolution. Later, many of Napoleon’s former men migrated to the new continent in search of adventure and work. So they ended up as advisers in the Chilean army.

After Germany’s victory in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870–1871, Chile began to imitate Germany . She 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 advisers, equipment and uniforms to Chile. Even despite the defeat of the German Empire in the First and Second World Wars, its influence in Chile remained consistently strong. Her army conscientiously preserved in its military traditions and in its ceremonial form the Prussian style, mixed with some French elements. You will not see this in any other Latin American country.

Chilean cavalry saber model 1890

This saber needs no introduction as it is very common today. The 1890 saber is a French-made contract saber, which was created after the abolition of the soldier’s model “Derue Saber”.

This model of the Chilean saber consisted of a very thin T-shaped blade, which was intended exclusively for thrusting attacks. The handle consisted of a brass guard, enveloping the hand as much as possible, with perforated holes and slots to facilitate the subject. But unfortunately, it was never put on the production line, with the exception of the officer model , which was offered by private gunsmiths.

But it turned out that such a handle had a huge potential. It attracted the attention of both the Dutch and Chilean military, who were very interested in different sabers: the Dutch saber model 1895 ( soldier and officer), the infantry officer’s saber model 1897 (reduced guard, with a tubular blade) and model 1955 (saber of the Honorary Escort) . Many thanks to my good buddy Jannes for helping me sort this out.

The Chilean saber model was made for export. It was produced directly in France, possibly because Chile did not have the means to produce its own weapons . French manufacturers , such as Châtellerault, also made sabers exported to other countries, so they are stamped by their own inspectors before being re-checked in the host country. Hence the confusion with the country of origin.

The saber was made of iron, not brass, and had a wraparound guard. Holes and cutouts are almost the same as in the model “Dertsuye Saber”. The standard grip was replaced with a horn grip and had a pistol grip ergonomic shape for a better grip.

The blade was made and tested at the Chatellerault factory and has a quality control stamp. It was typical in the French manner. On the reverse side was the inscription Mfture Natle Chatt. JH These are the initials of Jakob Holzer, an entrepreneur who supplied quality iron to make the blade. The obverse of the ricasso is stamped with a Chilean star . This was a sign that the issuance of a saber to the unit was controlled by army inspectors.

The result is a light, easy-to-make saber with a handle. She provided good protection and had a blade capable of chopping and stabbing.

However, the biggest drawback of this saber has to do with the hilt. In all models that I have encountered, the handles rattle a little. It’s not a big drawback, but annoying nonetheless.

Chilean saber model 1895 for the police

Since Germany was the main influence in Chile, around 1895 a contract was made with Luneschloss and Eickhorn to export this model. This saber was used to equip the police, which has now become the Carabineros.

You don’t have to look far to realize that this model is similar to the Prussian saber model 1889 . This saber has a nickel-plated steel guard carved with the national coat of arms of Chile . Ribbed bakelite handle with 2 rivets on each side to add strength, single-ring steel scabbard.

The concave-shaped blade is engraved with ” Policia Fiscal Chile “.

Chilean Model 1895 Saber and Prussian Model 1889 Saber/Broadsword .

Despite the fact that this is a copy of the Prussian saber of the 1889 model , there are still small differences in the shape of the handle. The Chilean saber has a straighter hilt, while the Prussian has a curved hilt. The Chilean model is lighter than the Prussian model and in my opinion more manoeuvrable.

There are two models of this sword. One model, possibly for officers, has a bakelite handle and steel scabbard. And another model, perhaps for soldiers, has a wooden handle without rivets and a leather sheath.

Characteristics:

Model 1890

Saber length: 35 inches / 90 cm

Blade length: 29.5″ / 75cm

Weight: 2.01 lb / 954 g

Model 1895

Saber length: 

37 inches / 94 cm

Blade length:

31 inches / 79 cm

Weight: 1.12 lbs / 810 g