In good condition, a Battle of Waterloo French An XIII Heavy Cavalry Cuirassier Trooper’s Sword
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Guaranteed authentic – be warned, most are modern reproductions – we are experts in these swords and this is an authentic Imperial French An XIII Heavy Cavalry Cuirassier Trooper’s Sword made in Klingenthal and almost certainly a British vet’s war trophy from the Battle of Waterloo. In fact, this sword has history further back as it had replacement blades at least once, possibly twice; blades got replaced because of battle damage.
Why do we say / know this?
1) The hilt has multiple rack numbers (“430” and “85” with an extra “4” added on in a slightly larger / different font)
2) Blade dated Klingenthal Imperial September 1813 with the correct poinçons for Krantz, Bick and Lobstein.
3) The hilt rack numbers do not match the scabbard’s (“527”), which means it is a “marriage”. When the French Cuirassiers fell at the hands of the effective British infantry “squares” or were pushed over a steep ridge by the British heavy cavalry, they had their swords drawn. When British soldiers collected them as battle trophies after Napoleon was defeated, they simply found a correct scabbard elsewhere and “married” them. Had the swords and scabbards stayed in French service, the French would have made sure the rack numbers were the same one way or another.
4) The blade has been spear pointed. The French field converted their original hatchet points just before Waterloo to give their swords better piercing qualities.
5) The sword was not converted to an 1816m (near identical hilt /guard but with forward facing edge).
6) After 1816, the French typically made / refurbished swords with 22+ grip wire turns; this has the original 1815 and before 13 turns.
7) There are no post Waterloo poinçons.
8) We bought this sword in the UK where it has reportedly been for a very long time / time immemorial.
9) The lip of the guard is slightly bent, indicating a fall.
This 100% guaranteed authentic Waterloo French Heavy Cavalry Trooper’s Sword is made even more desirable by the fact its grip is original, in good condition, with the original twisted grip wire bindings present. Plus that the scabbard has most of its original chemical browning.
The 37 1/2 inch blade is in good condition and firm in the hilt. The hilt / guard with some scuffs is still very good. The original / period grip and bindings are good. The period chemically browned heavy steel scabbard is good. The sword sheathes and draws well.
You are unlikely to ever find a better genuine Waterloo French An XIII Cuirassier sword, so grab it quick! Yours to become the envy of other collectors for was £? (too late, now sold). Please quote item reference AI69. Further / full sized images available upon request. Box 2120 128 x 17 x 17 (3.978).
