Dutch / French / Klingenthal An XIII Cuirassier Sword, For Sale

In good condition, a very interesting Dutch / French / Klingenthal An XIII Cuirassier Sword, a Waterloo Trophy. The salient features of this sword show it was an Imperial French Dutch An XIII that had its blade damaged and replaced at Klingenthal to then be used by French Cuirassers at Waterloo / in the 100 Days War.

This is a very interesting An XIII not only because it was once held by a French Empire Dutch Cuirassier, had damage to its blade, was given a new blade at Klingenthal (France) and then went into service with a French cuirassier during the Battle of Waterloo. But also because it proves the controversial B under star poinçon was around in 1814 / 1815 (see article on these swords, in which this one is featured / plays a major part here).

This sword has earlier Dutch poinçons and Dutch style scabbard markings, the blade is French, Klingenthal August 1814; the hilt has a later French inspection mark (poinçon) given when the hilt received a replacement blade. The scabbard (marked in the Dutch fashion "F" over "263") to the drag, was made likely for a Liege (then Holland, now Belgium) blade; it is a Mk3 French Empire An XIII scabbard but the Klingenthal blade, being slightly different to a Liege made blade, does sheath badly initially unless you put the point in at an angle (once it clunks into place, it does then sheath and draw well).

The 37 1/8 inch spear point blade (indicating it was at Waterloo) is in very good condition and firm in the hilt. The hilt in very good order. The original leather grip is good and a huge bonus is that the original grip wire bindings are present and correct. The chemically browned heavy steel scabbard is good. The sword sheathes and draws badly at points (when you first sheath and when you first draw); I have tried greasing it but I am sure the scabbard, although a correct steel "Mk3" scabbard, was probably made for a non-Klingenthal blade and has been that way since 1814/1815 (or somehow the thick steel guides inside have been damaged / misformed (they appear good to me). It should be noted that French acceptance standards were lowered in the rush to produce weapons, many from "bits" (damaged existing weapons, spare scabbards, etc) just before the 100 Days War. But it still sheathes and draws well enough for use by a cuirassier.

Almost certainly a Waterloo battle trophy brought back by a British serviceman. A really very interesting and therefore rare superb sword, yours for £1700. Please quote item reference V14. Further / full sized images available upon request. Box 0951-121x17x19 (3.174).