In very good condition, a Waterloo era French An XIII Heavy Cavalry Trooper’s 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.
Most likely a British veteran bring back war trophy. We can not be sure because the blade’s date inscription has been removed; either because it said “Imperial” or “Royale”, and the regiment decided that was not good, or because someone tried to hide a post-Waterloo date, or both! What remains indicates it was around at Waterloo (Sunday 18th June 1815), but it is not guaranteed. The signs are; a) no post Waterloo markings, b) the grip (number of turns) is correct for Waterloo (after, the number increased), c) the hilt / guard has not been replaced with the m1816, which has forward pointing edges. There are 2 visible poinçons (inspection marks) and 1 likely indentation remains of a third; the two that remain show the blade was manufactured between May 1815 and September 1816. Although Napoleonic period An XIII blades and swords were made by the French after Waterloo, they were few in number. Was this sword at Waterloo? You decide.
Matching hilt / guard and scabbard rack numbers but the hilt is older as the last number of a previous rack number can just be seen; it too was removed, so it is fair to assume the blade was one in stock married to the guard / hilt of a damaged sword, as typically happened just before Waterloo when there was a shortage of weapons.
The 37 5/8 spear point blade is in very good condition and firm in the hilt. The hilt / guard is good save for a small indentation to the front and a slight crack of the pommel lip where it meets the grip; both indications of a bad mounted trooper’s fall. The original leather grip is in very good condition, as are the original twisted grip wire bindings. The heavy steel scabbard is good but has pitting. The sword sheathes and draws well.
A very good example, particularly because of the grip condition. Great value at only was £? (too late, now sold). Please quote item reference AI29. Further / full sized images available upon request. Tube 1951 120 x 16 (4.50).
