Clipped Point AP / Versailles French An XIII Cuirassier Sword, Sold

In good condition, a rare original clipped point Ateliers de Paris / Versailles Napoleonic French An XIII cuirassier sword.

Guaranteed 100% authentic An XIII cuirassier (heavy cavalry) sword. This particular sword has a Ateliers de Paris made blade with Versailles hilt. The blade is still an original 97cm clipped point (it has not been ground down to spear point as the vast majority have been). It comes with a browned Mk3 scabbard (see article here) and quite likely is a Waterloo battlefield pick up or post battle war trophy as the item has been in the UK for many years and there are no post 1815 markings to the sword or scabbard. The "AP" mark to the blade stands for "Ateliers de Paris" (maker's mark), though many people believe it stands for "Arsenal de Paris", which is fair as the swords generally ended up at that arsenal and are closely associated with the 2nd Cuirassier Regiment which saw service at Waterloo. The other mark is the associated "Faiseau de Licteur" mark.

The 38 3/32 inch blade is in good condition but with some slight stress fracture lines (possibly from action possibly from forging) and firm in the hilt. The hilt is good but with some small indents to the front guard; again, possibly from action. The leather grip is original but has lost its twisted grip wire (it is easy enough to make a replacement at home using brass jewelry wire, a slow drill and a vice). The knuckle bow bears the Versailles mark along with the C under star poinçon for Châteaubrun (director from July to December 1813). The chemically browned steel scabbard is in excellent condition; the only markings are an "8" poinçon to the chape / drag and a small "W" or "M" poinçon to the throat. The sword sheathes and draws well, though can catch if at a certain (wrong) orientation.

Seriously, this is a great investment; Ateliers de Paris blades are rarer than those from Klingenthal and are reputed to be of better quality. In a Versailles hilt with original clipped point! It is a bargain, 100%, at just £? (too late, now sold). Please quote item reference AC48 (0277). Further / full sized images available upon request.