In fair / damaged condition, a Napoleonic Wars French An XI Light Cavalry Officer’s Saber
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The sword has battle damage; the hilt / guard has had something or someone fall on it a long time ago (most probably period); there is tarnish within the break to the back strap and pommel; the damage is not from the sword falling alone. Probably a Peninsular or 100 Days (Waterloo) War battle trophy taken back to Britain by a soldier etc. over 200 years ago. The damage could be corrected by a competent brass forging smith, but would you really want to? There is also some damage to the scabbard which appears to tie in with a fall but where the saber was out of the scabbard (as the scabbard damage does not appear to be reflected by blade damage). There is a fourbisseur’s (sword cutler’s / maker’s) name to the forte but we can not work it out.
The 33 inch blade is in good but worn condition; the once fine blue and gilt etch now mostly reduced to the outline. Blade firm in hilt. The brass hilt / guard with said cavalryman fall type damage. The walnut grip is good though aged / worn and has lost most of its twisted grip wire bindings. The brass scabbard with a dent or more and a minor rip type metal separation along one edge, again commensurate with a rider’s fall. The saber sheathes and draws a little loosely.
Not in pristine condition for sure, but in battle / fall damaged condition that is often more desirable. was £? (too late, now sold). Please quote item reference AG58. Further / full sized images available upon request. Box 1486-117x15x14 (1.922).
