CHILEAN TAX/REVENUE POLICE SWORD
POLICIA FISCAL / CHILE
WITH LEATHER SCABBARD
Variant 1 has 2 rivets in the grip,
9 raised ribs.
Variant 2 has no rivets in the grip,
only 7 raised ribs.
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Chilean "Policia Fiscal" circa 1895-1912 (assuming this sword was part of the two major arms
contracts with Germany - 1895 and 1912). Apparently, these were carried by Officer's of their
version of the Internal Revenue Service.
The construction of these swords is consistent with some German "quill-back" edged-weapons
(swords and bayonets) of the period and very closely resemble the work of Paul D. Luneschloss
of Solingen (Germany); however, no manufacturer's marks are present (so this is just an observation).
Overall length - in scabbard - is ~38-1/4";
Overall length - out of scabbard - is ~37";
Half-basket style hilt is ~6-1/2" in length (including forward-facing upper quillon), ~4-3/8"
at widest point (cup); steel furniture; wood grips held by two rivets, nine raised ribs; pommel
cap is of srew-on type with two recessed areas for attaching a special nut-removing tool; Chilean
crest - and other designs - are punched into the sheet steel hilt.
Straight "quill-back blade is ~31-3/8" long, un-fullered; quill-back projects into a medial rib
where a swelled-tip begins, ending in a point with a cutting-edge and a ~10" false-edge.
As mentioned before, no manufacturer's marks appear on the blade.
Etched onto right side of blade is, POLICIA FISCAL over * CHILE *.
Leather scabbard is ~32-1/2" in length; one upper-band, single hanger ring, leather reinforced drag.
I have owned two variations, both types are represented in the images.
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