French Model 1816 Heavy Cavalry of the Line Trooper's Sword, Sold

In good condition, a French Model 1816 Heavy Cavalry of the Line Trooper's Sword.

This M1816 has an earlier An XIII blade dated September 1813, so the blade saw service under Napoleon, stayed in service with the French army (was not captured or surrendered) after Waterloo, and was given the new 1816m hilt (with distinctive forward facing guard ridge); the scabbard is an original An XIII. These are surprisingly rarer than the An XIII, not least because the French again changed their model in 1822 and also used the old / previous blades.

The 37 3/8 inch blade is in good condition and firm in the hilt. The hilt with age but in good condition. The original leather grip is good but the leather has shrunk little (a lot less then many we have seen); incredibly, the twisted grip wire is still present and correct. The heavy steel scabbard has age and some pitting but is in good shape. The sword sheathes and draws well.

A very nice, well above average example. A snip at just £? (too late, now sold). Please quote item reference number U86 (0924). Further / full sized pictures available upon request.