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Argentina Returns San Martín’s Saber to National History Museum

Buenos Aires – May 24, 2015 – After nearly five decades housed at the Mounted Grenadiers Regiment, the curved saber belonging to General José de San Martín, a key figure in the Argentine War of Independence, has been returned to the National History Museum. The transfer took place on Sunday, May 25, 2015, as part of celebrations marking Argentina’s May Revolution.

The saber, described as a “historic weapon,” accompanied San Martín throughout the War of Independence. According to reports, it was bequeathed to Juan Manuel de Rosas, a prominent Argentine leader, following San Martín’s departure for Europe in August 1850. Rosas, in turn, passed the saber on to his friend Juan Nepomuceno Terrero, and subsequently to Terrero’s family.

In 1896, Adolfo Carranza, director of the National Historical Museum, requested the donation of the saber, which the Terrero family granted. The weapon was then exhibited at the museum for approximately seven decades.

The saber’s history took an unexpected turn during the politically turbulent 1960s. Reportedly, it was twice recovered by members of the Peronist Resistance during a period when Peronism was prohibited. In 1967, the saber was removed from the National Historical Museum by dictator Juan Carlos Onganía.

The recent return of the saber involved a patriotic parade through the streets of Buenos Aires, including a stop at the Metropolitan Cathedral, where San Martín’s remains are interred. The saber will now be displayed in a specially designed room with modern security and conservation measures.

José de San Martín was born in Yapeyú, Argentina, in 1778. He gained military experience in Spain before returning to Argentina to lead the fight for independence from Spanish control. He formed a cavalry unit known as the Granaderos, and later organized the Ejército de los Andes (“Army of the Andes”).

San Martín led his forces across the Andes mountain range in 1817-1818, defeating the Spanish near present-day Santiago. He subsequently declared Peru’s independence in July 28, 1821, after sailing north with his army. Following a meeting with Simón Bolívar in Guayaquil, Ecuador, in 1822, San Martín ceased fighting and eventually left for Europe, never to return.

The curved saber itself was acquired by San Martín during his time in London, after leaving Spain and before embarking for South America. He believed such weapons were ideal for cavalry charges and armed his mounted grenadiers with similar sabers.