Napoleonic French Imperial Guard Dragoon Officer's Sabre, sold

In very good condition, Napoleonic French Imperial Guard Dragoon Officer's Blue & Gilt Sabre, with provenance for Captain Jean-Simon Bellot (KIA).

With an old inventory / auction label in French stating this to be the saber of Captain Jean-Simon Bellot, born in Villefranche-sur-Saone in 1774, killed in action at the Battle of Craonne as Chef d'escadron ("squadron leader") (commander) of the 2nd Squadron 8th Company of the Dragons de la Garde Imperiale. He died on the 7th March while charging the Russian army. Craonne, a prelude to the Battle of Paris later that month, is recorded as a French victory, though they lost considerably more men then the Russian and Prussian allies. Fourbisseur (sword maker) markings to "I SB".

The 37 3/8 inch period sharpened blade is in very good condition and firm in the hilt. The hilt retains good amounts of gilt and is in good condition. The original leather grip and twisted grip wire bindings are all very good. The leather and brass fittings scabbard is aged, the leather surface cracking, but is sound. The sabre sheathes and draws well.

What a great sword. We only have the label of unknown origin to go by, but it seems authentic enough and came with other French swords with similar labels that show whoever put them there, knew a lot about them so as to make a false claim unlikely. We bought this from a gentleman who did house clearances, found these 16 years beforehand in the attic of a deceased gentleman and kept them until he sold them to us. So we are unable to identify the origin of the labels and / or provenance. In any event, a great investment at £? (too late, now sold). Please quote item reference number AF43 (1105). Further / full sized pictures available upon request.