1816 Model French Cuirassier / Heavy Cavalry Trooper's Sword, sold

In very good condition, a rare 1816 Model French Cuirassier (heavy cavalry) trooper's sword and scabbard, dated December 1819.

1816M's are rare, especially outside France because they replaced the An XIII used in the Napoleonic wars yet there were still plenty of the former version available for a French army now at peace and constrained by treaty / the allies, and then it was replaced in 1822. In fact, many of the 1816's you find are fitted with earlier An XIII blades, but not this one, it has the new 1816M blade as well, so it is a particularly rare 1816M heavy cavalry swords.

Dated December 1819 along the spine of the blade and with the correct poinçons (inspection stamps) of Bureau, Bick and Lobstein, the impressive 38 1/2 inch spear pointed blade is in very good condition, though a little worn from drawing and sheathing the sword, which is good as the sword was clearly in use a lot. Blade firm in the hilt. The hilt in particularly good condition for a 200 year old sword. The original leather grip and twisted grip wire bindings are excellent. The hilt with numerous poinçons / acceptance stamps. The blackened steel scabbard in very good condition. The sword sheathes and draws very well.

A tip top example of a rare sword. Please quote item reference H76 (1005). Further / full sized images available upon request.