Waterloo War Trophy French Cuirassier Sword & Scabbard, Sold

In good condition, a 100% guaranteed authentic Battle of Waterloo War Trophy French Cuirassier Sword & Scabbard.

This sword has seen some action, and not just Waterloo. The blade spine is inscribed "Mf ure Imp ale du Klingenthal Coulaux frères" which means it dates from 1806 to 1810. The hilt / guard has two sets of rack numbers, the original 1520 crossed out and replaced with 728, so the hilt received a replacement blade at some stage. Which means the blade lost its original hilt at some stage. Probably this blade and hilt, both with previous battle history, were put together just before the 100 Days War (Waterloo) as the French struggled to produce enough weapons for their army.

Plus, the rack number 728 is not the same as on the scabbard (146), which means this is almost certainly a battlefield pick up (if not, it is a post battle surrender trophy) as swords were separated from their scabbards during the battle, and then paired with any suitable scabbard. The sword saw action at Waterloo as it has a spear point blade. It is a war trophy as there are no post 1815 poinçons (inspection marks). See our article here.

The 38 inch blade is in very good condition, a little wobble (clear signs of battle use), nothing major, and firm in the hilt. The hilt with some slight damage (bending) but otherwise very good. The grip has its original leather grip which is aged. Replacement twisted grip wire (recent, not period; for aesthetics) in good order. The period chemically browned heavy steel scabbard is in very good condition. The sword sheathes and draws well enough, if a little loosely.

If only this sword could speak of its past. What a beauty; yours for £? (too late, now sold). Please quote item reference S81 (0702). Further / full sized images available upon request.