Argentine Model 1898 Artillery Sword

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	Weapon: Argentine Model 1898 Artillery Sword Type: Artillery Briquet Country of Origin: Argentina Year Adopted: 1898 Overall Length (mm): 650.0 Weight (kg): 0.00

The Argentine Model 1898 Artillery Sword was a military sidearm designed for use by artillery units in the Argentine Army during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The sword features a straight, double-edged blade with a spear point, optimized for thrusting. Its hilt is equipped with a distinctive steel guard, which provides protection to the wielder's hand, and a ribbed grip made of wood or bakelite. The design reflects a transitional period in military weaponry, as swords were gradually being replaced by firearms but retained for ceremonial and secondary combat roles.

Production of the Model 1898 Artillery Sword was undertaken by Solingen-based manufacturers in Germany, which had an established relationship with the Argentine military for supplying quality edged weapons. The exact production numbers are unclear, but a significant quantity was produced to meet the needs of the growing Argentine armed forces. These swords were often engraved with Argentine crests and other embellishments, reflecting their dual role as practical tools and symbols of military pride.

The Model 1898 saw limited combat use due to its adoption during an era when swords were becoming increasingly obsolete in active warfare. Nevertheless, it remained a standard issue for artillery troops and non-commissioned officers for several decades, primarily as a dress weapon or for ceremonial purposes. Today, the Model 1898 is a sought-after collector's item, known for its robust construction and historical connection to Argentina's modernization of its military forces.