In slightly battle damaged condition, a Versailles / Imperial Klingenthal French An XIII Cuirassier Sword
Sorry, this item has been sold (NB: we do not divulge sold prices). However, we have a search facility to help you find more similar items. Plus a feature that allows you to enter your email and keywords (for what you are looking for) to be notified by email when anything comes in. Or you can simply browse the various categories. See the left hand navigation column.
Almost certainly a British “bring back” war trophy from the 100 Days War / Battle of Waterloo as field converted spear pointed blade and no post-Waterloo French markings. Plus, an old (almost certainly period) crack to the hilt (see the brass corrosion is within the crack) and bend to the forward section of the blade (from either hitting a target or, more likely, as the result of a fallen cuirassier and / or his horse). This An XIII has the “Mark 2” (original An XIII pattern) lyre drag scabbard; together with the obvious battle damage (which could only have happened at Waterloo) makes this a very desirable sword indeed. The scabbard is believed original to the sword; the sword has correct earlier markings. The blade’s spine is marked to Klingenthal, Imperial, June 1811 with the correct poinçons for Pache, Bick and Lobstein with correct and desirable Versailles hilt (the blade was made in Klingenthal and hilted in Versailles).
The 36 7/8 inch blade has been period spear pointed and sharpened, is in very good condition (except for said battle damage), some nicks along its length, firm in the hilt. The thick heavy brass hilt / guard is very good save for the old / period crack; it has a steady brown patina save for the forward side of the three bar guard which have been partially cleaned to reveal the base brass underneath (can be left to patinate again, or the entire guard / hilt could be cleaned to show the golden brass underneath). The original leather grip and its twisted grip wire bindings are good / sound. The heavy steel scabbard has age and wear but is good. The sword sheathes and draws well.
If you want a pristine An XIII, this is not it. If you want a great Waterloo battle trophy An XIII, they don’t come much if any better. A truly evocative investment at was £? (too late, now sold). Please quote item reference AG62. Further / full sized images available upon request. Box 1484-128x17x16 (3.421).
