Russian 1826M Cuirassier Trooper's Sword, Sold

A super rare Russian 1826M Cuirassier Trooper's Sword in very good condition and a Battle of Balaclava / Balaklava (Crimean War) British bring back trophy.

Said and certain* to have been picked up from the Battlefield of Balaclava on the 25th October 1854, where both the commander of the Highland Brigade Sir Colin Campbell’s 93rd Highlanders (the origin of the "Thin Red Line") and Major General James Scarlett's Charge of the Heavy Cavalry Brigade defeated the Russian cavalry including Russian Cuirassiers of the Guard (Tsar Nicholas I's Life-Guards Cuirassier Regiment).

* Issued Russian swords are rare to the market as they were not decommissioned in the same way as other armies / countries, so, apart from officer's / honour swords owned by the soldiers themselves, issued Russian swords like this one are invariably war trophies, and there not so many of those.

The Russian 1826M sword is clearly a near copy of the French An XIII cuirassier sword but for an angled rear grip section near the pommel, a slightly extended outwards hilt, and iconic Russian circle / cyrillic inspection / view marks. Also, the Russians, inspired by the pre-spear point An XI/XIII days, made and left their blades with hatchet points.

The 38 inch clipped point blade is in exceptionally good condition and firm in the hilt. The brass hilt / guard was black with age / tarnish / patina / oxidation but we cleaned it while leaving some aging (could be cleaned further). Hilt all good, some period knocks and scrapes. Original leather grip with a little shrinkage and some scrapes / scuffs but overall very good. Original twisted grip wire a little loose (from expansion) but good. The period chemically browned steel scabbard very good. The sword sheathes and draws well but a little loosely.

These are exceptionally rare swords. This one is not only in superb condition overall, but is an evocative Battle of Balaklava British war trophy. Don't try to negotiate the price, don't even blink, grab it quick; £? (too late, now sold). Please quote item reference U08 (0807). Further / full sized photos available upon request.