French An XIII Cuirassier Sword, Klingenthal
1814, Versailles hilt, sold |
A well above average infamous Napoleonic French An XIII heavy
cavalry (Cuirassier) trooper's sword, Versailles hilt, Imperial
Klingenthal blade dated January 1814, matching hilt and scabbard
numbers.
 

They truly do not get much better than this, and yes, we 100% guarantee
this is an authentic Napoleonic French heavy cavalry sword (it is
not, repeat NOT one of the hundreds of reproductions sold as authentic
elsewhere on the Internet). In superb condition, the Versailles
hilted Imperial Klingenthal bladed An XIII Cuirassier sword and
scabbard is what almost every collector dreams of. There are no
post-1815 markings, the fact it was bought by us in England, plus
has a spear point absolutely says "Battle of Waterloo pick
up / battle trophy" (or war trophy obtained very shortly thereafter).
This model of sword was replaced in 1816, after Waterloo. What An
XIII's stayed in French national service invariably had new (post
1815) acceptance stamps added; the stamps (poinçons) on this
sword are all pre-Waterloo. You can see the correct poinçons
for Krantz, Bick and Lobstein (see
list of poinçons versus dates here).


The hilt actually tells a story in that it almost certainly had
a replacement blade (the 1814 blade now in it) fitted for the Grande
Imperiale Armie, as the original rack number (1234) has been crossed
out, and the scabbard bears the same new rack number (721) as the
hilt. So the hilt was originally on a blade that got damaged; who
knows, perhaps the sword has performed a kill, though most likely
in the French-Russian War. Because the French Empire was short of
arms including swords, every last part was used. So this hilt was
then given a new blade and scabbard, probably in January 1814 when
the blade was made, or very shortly thereafter.

The sword and scabbard are in well above average condition. The
grip also has the original leather, a massive bonus given it may
well have been held in a kill and was almost certain to have been
wielded at Waterloo, and remains in very good condition, a little
thin but not too bad. The twisted grip wire bindings are later but
authentically done. The massive 96 cm blade is in very good condition
and has not been over cleaned like many blades; the poinçons
are still very clear, as is the blade's date inscription. The blade
is firm in the hilt. The brass hilt in very good order, a little
tarnished, we would be inclined to clean it a little with oil and
an abrasive plastic cloth perhaps but not a brass cleaner (not make
the brass too bright as it once was); the aging is about right already,
but the choice is up to the new owner of course. The typical mark
three scabbard is in very good shape; no rust, just a patina here
and there. The sword sheathes and draws very well. A great and highly
evocative investment. Further / full sized images available upon
request. Please quote item number C43 (652).



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