Waterloo Trophy - Napoleonic French An XI Infantry Sword, Sold

A rare Waterloo Battle Trophy in very good condition, a Napoleonic French An XI Infantry Briquet Sword.

This sword has no post-1815 inspection marks (some of the marks are for controllers whose tenure extended past 1815, but there is nothing to indicate this sword stayed in French service after Waterloo, in fact the reverse). Although there is no date inscription to the blade spine, the blade poinçons include one for Jean-Georges Bick ("B" in a laurel reef) which stopped being used in May 1815, and an 1815 version JA Bisch poinçon to the hilt. Also on the hilt are Joseph Innocent Krantz and Bick poinçons to match those on the blade; the blade with poinçons for Bick, (François Louis) Lobstein and Krantz.

This sword, bought by us in the UK, is undoubtedly therefore a battlefield pick-up / war trophy from Waterloo.

The 23 inch blade is stained and has some old probably period light damage to the cutting edge, but is overall very good and firm in the hilt. The hilt is a little worn but good, with rack / weapon number 496. The period scabbard is aged and has split in two and has a tape repair. The sword sheathes and draws well.

Who knows the fate of the French infantryman that once carried this . Yours for £? (too late, now sold). Please quote item reference P99 (0298). Further / full sized images available upon request.