French An XIII Cuirassier / Heavy Cavalry Sword, sold

An unusual French An XIII cuirassier / heavy cavalry trooper's sword in that it was made in 1832, long after it was superceded, in overall very good condition.

Quite why the French made this An XIII in 1832, after the model was superceded twice (by the 1816M and then 1822M), we do not know, but it was. The date inscription to the spine is for April 1832, which correctly corresponds with the poinçons (inspection stamps) on both the blade and the hilt, and there are no Napoleonic era poinçons that we can see, so the whole sword was made to the correct exact specification of the An XIII (right down to hilt / guard design and the number of grip wire turns on the grip) long after the model was replaced, perhaps for a special regiment or event.

The 95.4 cm blade marked Klingenthal April 1832 (the "Royale" part of the inscription has been filed off, so the sword was probably in service in 1848 (the Second Republic era) to the spine is in good conditions and firm in the hilt. The hilt with some bending to the lip, nothing too major. The grip in good condition. The solid steel scabbard is good but someone has tried to unprofessionally remove the chemical browning it towards the chape end. The sword sheathes and draws well.

A great example of this iconic and very interesting sword for only £? (too late, now sold). Please quote item reference number L71 (1192). Further / full sized images available upon request.