Dating to the period of rearmament after the defeat of Paraguay in 1870. The Brazilian Armed forces were primarily Portuguese, Brazilians and foreign mercenaries. The War with Paraguay stretched Brazil’s military might to its limits. Slaves and ex-slaves were enlisted and their contribution so moved the nation that public sentiment led to the abolition of slavery in 1889. This sword dates to that period of rearmament of the largest military force in South America. German made by Alex Coppel, Solingen, with iron hilt emblazoned with crossed cannons. Based on the English pattern which had been so successful in Africa, India, and Crimea with diced leather grips and curved s.e. blade.
