Waterloo Battle Trophy: French Heavy Cavalry Sabre / Sword, sold

In good to very good condition, a Napoleonic French heavy cavalry sabre / sword (An XI / An XIII Cuirassier trooper), dated 1812/1813, matching serial numbers, clearly a battle trophy.

We guarantee this to be an authentic Napoleonic French An XI / XIII heavy cavalry trooper's sabre / sword, not one of the ocean of aged reproductions on the market (especially on eBay). This absolutely was held by one of Napoleon's Grande Armie Cuirassier troopers and is a British Waterloo battle trophy. The date inscription on the spine has been partially worn away, but the poinçons (little round inspection stamps on the blade) tell us the sword was made in 1812 or 1813 (see: French Poinçons). We know this to be a Battle of Waterloo trophy because the sword was purchased by us in England from a deceased's estate and that there are no post-1815 inspection stamps on the sword, and that the original rack number on the hilt is intact (not crossed out, which can often, though not always, indicate service after Waterloo). The number on the hilt under the scabbard leather stopper is the same as that on the show of the scabbard, so the scabbard is original to the sword (matching serial numbers).

The 37 1/2 inch blade is in good condition, a little over-cleaned by a previous owner, with some tell-tale nicks to the blade but they make the sword more evocative and do not detract. The brass hilt is overall very good, there is some slight damage to the "tongue" of the hilt but it is probably period and not very noticeable being only visible on the inside of the hilt. The leather grip is original and a huge bonus as you thereby hold the same leather as did the French cavalryman on that historic day. The twisted grip wire bindings are authentically done but a later replacement. The steel scabbard has been zealously over-cleaned in the past; we would leaving it in a damp environment for a while to acquire a patina. But anyway, the scabbard is good and strong, and the sword sheathes and draws very well; the scabbard being able to hold the sword firm while inverted.

A very good example of an iconic sabre with an amazing history. Further / full sized images available upon request. Please quote item reference E08 (786).