Authentic Waterloo French An XIII Cuirassier
Sword, Sold |
In very good condition, a Waterloo battle trophy French An XIII
Cuirassier trooper's sword, most likely of the 2nd Cuirassier Regiment
of Napoleon's Imperial Grand Army. Authenticity 100% guaranteed.
 

We 100% guarantee this is an authentic Napoleonic French An XIII,
not one of the many later reproductions. We can say with
all certainty that this is a war trophy from Waterloo or shortly
thereafter, as there are no post-1815 markings. In addition, the
blade has been ground down to a spear point, as happened with most,
although not all French An XIII heavy cavalry swords just prior
to Waterloo; a spear point is far more effective at piercing body
armour, etc than the original hatchet points that these swords were
made with.


The blade is marked "AP" for "Atelier de précision"
plus "CM" on the other side (what "CM" actually
means / signifies has been lost in the winds of time but is frequently
found on Paris made blades). Atelier de précision blades
were considered the highest quality and were used both on service
swords and were issued as benchmark examples to inspectors at Klingenthal
and elsewhere to ensure quality was maintained. The Versailles hilt
shows that the blade was made under contract / order by the French
Government and sent to the Versailles arms factory to be hilted.
Where this sword is especially good is the fact it is one of the
very, very few you will find where the rack / weapon number on the
hilt, in this case "802", matches that on the upper suspension
mount of the scabbard; the sword is original to the scabbard. Also
good is the fact the grip has the original leather; the twisted
brass grip wire is a replacement, but authentically done. "AP"
(Atelier de précision) An XIII Cuirassier swords / sabres
are generally associated with the 2nd Cuirassier Regiment.

The 95.5 cm spear point blade is in very good condition, some rust
patches towards the forte, but nothing to worry about. The brass
hilt has an aged patina which I have left as it compliments the
aged scabbard; you could really clean and gleam the brass with a
little effort but I truly would leave it as is. The leather grip
is original and in good condition; it has been given a good leather
treatment to preserve it. The twisted brass wire bindings are a
replacement, but well done. The scabbard has old pitting marks,
mostly light, throughout, but is very sound and the rack / weapon
number is still clear. The sword sheathes and draws well, a little
loose, nothing much. A great example and such an evocative worthwhile
investment. Further / full sized images upon request. Please quote
item reference number C07 (616).

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