In good condition, an Imperial Klingenthal / Versailles French Waterloo Heavy Cavalry Trooper’s Sword
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The maker / date inscription to the blade’s spine is feint but “Impl Kingenthal Janvier (January)” is just visible, the year is not. Also, one of the three poinçons (inspection stamps) to the blade’s forte has been disfigured by the inner steel grommet guide of the scabbard, but two poinçons are clear, a wreathed B and a L; the wreathed B (of inspector Bick) meaning the blade was made after 1811 and prior to May 1815 (the Battle of Waterloo = 18th June 1815). The “Impl” part of the date inscription rules out 1815. So the blade dates to January 1812, 1813 or 1814; all other things considered, most likely January 1814.
The hilt has the rack number “604” plus “Versailles”, the later showing the blade was made in Klingenthal but the sword was made in prestigiuos Versailles. The scabbard is fairly corroded in places, but the rack number on the upper suspension ring can be just made out, “604”; matching rack numbers!
The sword was almost ceertainly at Waterloo as the blade has been field converted from original hatchet to spear point (first done just before Waterloo), as doing so gave the sword better armour and body piercing abaility. Also, there are no post 1815 poinçons, the guard / hilt has not been converted to the 1816 version (with forward facing edges), and the grip has only 11 grip turns (post 1815 grips / replacements tend to have around 22).
The 37 5/8 inch blade is in good condition and firm in the hilt. The solid brass guard / hilt is aged, worn but mostly very good; a small crack inwards on the inside of the guard indicates the likely fall of the French cuirassier (heavy cavalry) trooper who once held it. The original leather grip has age and wear (small patches of loss and a flap), but is overall good and sound. The twisted grip wire binding are absent. The heavy steel scabbard has wear and age (light inert rust pitting); the sword sheathes and draws well.
A very good authentic Versailles made French Waterloo An XIII Heavy Cavalry Trooper’s Sword and Scabbard for was £? (too late, now sold). Please quote item reference AI88. Further / full sized images avilable upon request. Box 2188 119 x 15 x 16 (3.49).
