Another Conundrum, Chilean 1890 Sword

[Aragorn243]

Found a Chilean 1890 sword at an antique shop today that the seller does not know what it is other than "it's a sword". These were made by France. This example is unmarked other than the Chilean proof and French proofs under the leather near the cross guard. Seems to be in fair shape. I did not look at the back of the blade to see if the French script writing is there.

I can't find much on these. He's asking $240, I won't be able to negotiate as it's a "mall" type where the actual owners aren't there much. They may have a discount for cash, some do.

But then again, it's Chilean, not European, US, etc so not sure how desirable it is to me even. Not at that price anyway.

If this is a super bargain, I'd probably get it. If not, probably going to pass.

Thoughts?

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[browningautorifle]

Is this one of those ugly little short swords or a cavalry type?

[Aragorn243]

Cavalry type. It's the one without the fancy crest on the hand guard. Not in as good of shape as this one however. Not bad but it has "patina".

Chilean Trooper swords 1890-1895 | SBG Sword Forum

[browningautorifle]

Now I see. Not so special and the price doesn't help. Maybe a bit more than I would pay, unless cherry condition.

[Aragorn243]

I've read they are pretty common. A rough one failed to sell for $350 on Gunbroker or ebay, not sure which. This one is in decent shape but it's a lot of money for something that is really not central to my collecting.

[lawrence_n]

Up here in Canada, I sold one of the curved troopers swords for $400. (Cdn.). I'm more into commonwealth militaria, particularly Canadian, than foreign goodies, but I'll grab a good deal if for no other reason than to flip it. The one I had was in very good shape except for some bends in the sword and scabbard which I tweaked out. I found it to be one of the nicest balanced swords I've ever handled.

[browningautorifle]

I sold one of the curved troopers swords for $400. (Cdn.)

But this one he sees isn't in that good shape...

The one I had was in very good shape

[Aragorn243]

The one I'm looking at has no bends or dents at least. It's in decent shape, just not excellent. I noticed no rust on the sword, maybe a bit on the scabbard. the plastic type handle had some very small chips here and there. On the positive, I have very few swords. But the negative is still pretty big, it's South American and not WWI or WWII related. If it is really a $400 sword, I'd potentially buy if for $240. Just not finding much out there on value.