In good condition, a British war trophy An XI Napoleonic French Blue & Gilt Cavalry 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.
A British war trophy! The sword has some period repairs to the guard and the blade has lost its point (undoubtedly in battle), then been rehoused in a bespoke (especially made) British general’s mameluke style brass scabbard, plus has possibly had its blue and gilt etching period very well re-done; it must have cost the British officer a near fortune to do all this! Quality French blade / sword maker’s details to the blade’s spine; “Pierre Guillaume Knecht Fabriquant à Solingen”.
Because of the above, it is 100% certain that this is a British officer’s war trophy, as the ability to make such a quality bespoke scabbard and to possibly re-blue the blade, these skills were sadly lost not long after Waterloo. This sword is either a trophy from the Peninsula War or, more likely (given the scabbard type), the 100 Days War (Waterloo).
The stunning blue and gilt etched 29 1/2 inch blade is in very good condition and firm in the hilt / grip. The brass guard / hilt has some period repairs but is very good besides. The original leather grip is aged / worn but good, as are the associated grip wire bindings. The British captor’s general’s brass scabbard is aged but good. The sword sheathes and draws well.
Hold the sword, imagine the life and fate of the original French officer owner, and watch the value of this most evocative investment appreciate over the forthcoming years. Grab it quick; was £? (too late, now sold). Please quote item reference AH15. Further / full sized images available upon request. Box 1669-98x15x14 (1.610).
