In VGC, a Clipped Point Imperial Klingenthal French An XIII Heavy Cavalry Troopers Sword
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VGC = Very Good Condition
Scarce / rare; an Imperial Klingenthal Cuirassier (heavy cavalry) trooper’s sword with original clipped point (unmodified) blade. And it gets better still; the matching most recent and former rack numbers to the hilt and blade, plus the blade spine’s date (November 1813) show this sword served with one French regiment and were both (sword and scabbard) then transferred to another regiment, likely after a pre-Waterloo battle, or as a result of the original cuirassier meeting an untimely end! It is also possible that the sword is earlier than October 1813, but that the blade was damaged in battle and replaced. In any event, the matching former (crossed out) and most recent rack numbers prove the so called M1816 scabbard is at least as old as the blade; the French, unlike the British, bought new models into service ahead of the official (later) designated model date (proof of this is that 99% of scabbards the British took as war trophies in June 1815 from Waterloo are m1816s).
Caveat: the sword & scabbard may also have received new matching rack numbers if the grip was replaced. The leather is a little thin which is possibly s a result of tight sweaty hand compression or replacement with thinner than normal leather.
Was this sword at the Battle of Waterloo? Possibly, as there are no post-1815 poinçons (inspection stamps / marks) and although the French mostly fought that battle with modified (spear) pointed blade, where the regiments ground the original hatchet points (such as with this blade ), some of their An XIIIs were still unmodified. The fact this sword blade in an unmodified clipped point accounts for its full 38 inch length (modified spear pointed blades tend to be just over 37 inches).
Collectors generally much prefer Klingenthal blades marked “Imperial” rather than “Royale”; the later (for An XIII swords) happened during Napoleon’s first exile from 6th April 1814 to 20th March 1815. This sword being made before that has a date inscription down the blade’s pine “Mf ture Imp ale du Klingenthal 9 bre (November) 1813” ; the date is authenticated by the correct poinçons (see French Inspectors verses inspection stamps here).
The awesome twin fullered 38 inch blade is in very good condition and firm in the hilt. The heavy brass guard / hilt has a mark or two indicating active use, but is otherwise in great shape / condition. The spiral ribbed leather grip is in good condition, if a little thin / aged / worn; the twisted grip wire bindings are good but have been made ever so slightly wayward in places by the thin / thinning grip leather. The heavy steel scabbard has age (freckles of patina / very light pitting), but is nonetheless very good. The sword sheathes and draws well.
Truly, VGC imperially marked, hatchet pointed An XIIIs like this are very very rare, so grab it quick at just £2000. Please quote item reference AJ45. Further / full sized images available upon request. Box?
