Sabre ID Help Needed

[hirsca]

I am helping a friend of mine go through and identify all of his grandfather's military items. His grandfather was a veteran of the Span-Am War and WW1 (wounded). Starting with edged weapons, I have ID'd the two bayonets as a French M1892 for the Mannilicher-Berthier Carbine and a German M1884/98 dated 1917. However, the sabre is yet a mystery. Weird cast bronze squared off hand guard (broken). Remnants of what looks like to me to be Spanish writing on the blade. I'm thinking that it might be a Spa-Am bring back. He will be bringing me the rest of the items next week, but I was hoping to have an ID for him on the sabre when he gets back in town. Any help is much appreciated. Thanks, Al.

[hirsca]

Last pic. Thanks, Al.

[Flashlarue]

The sword has the look of a pre-WWI German made. They made swords for most of Europe and the Americas.

[hirsca]

The sword has the look of a pre-WWI German made. They made swords for most of Europe and the Americas.

Thanks Flashlarue. I have searched everywhere and can't find examples with the squared off hand guard. Any suggestions? Thanks again, Al.

[71wysocki]

Looks like French infantry hanger circa 1750

http://www.icollector.com/SWORD-FRENCH-INFANTRY-HANGER-MODEL-1767-BLADE_i5173025

[Terry K.]

71wysocki got the style correct but they had cast brass handles. Must be either earlier or different model.

Try researching at oldswords.com

[hirsca]

Thank you 71wysocki and Terry K. The handle is cast also. Both hilt and hand guard look to be bronze to me, but could be brass---lots of dark patina. I'm going with the M1767 French Infantry Hanger. Must have been a WW1 bring back also. Thanks again, my friend will be thrilled. Al.