Imperial Klingenthal An XIII French Cuirassier Trooper's Sword, Sold

In overall very good condition for its age and history, an Imperial Klingenthal An XIII French Cuirassier Heavy Cavalry Trooper's Sword, a Waterloo battle trophy.

Spear pointed, mismatched hilt & scabbard numbers, plus no post-Waterloo markings; a Waterloo battle trophy brought back to the UK by British soldiers / servicemen. See our article here. The hilt with rubbed earlier markings, so the hilt has been re-bladed, probably after action in one of the many Napoleonic wars, which makes it even more evocative.

The poinçons on the blade's forte for Krantz (rubbed), Bick and Lobstein are correct for the December 1813 date on the blade's spine (Manfre Impale du Klingenthal Xbre 1813). The C star hilt (Versailles) poinçon is also for 1813, so it is likely the sword first went into battle in early 1813, suffered damage to the original blade which was replaced in December 1813.

The 37 inch blade is in very good condition but has a small stress crack towards the point which indicates it hit something hard, though the blade is still good and true. Blade firm in the hilt. The hilt with various marks including rack number 901 and guard "T 51" w1hich looks more in the English rather than French style, so may well be a capture number. The hilt and guard all good. The leather grip is original and in very good order, as are the twisted grip wire bindings which are also original. The heavy steel scabbard has lost most of its chemical browning and has some pitting with a rack number 10? (illegible). The sword sheathes and draws well.

Our favorite model of sword and this one is well above average. A real piece of history for just £? (too late, now sold). Please quote item reference U22 (0816). Further / full sized images available upon request.