In overall good condition, a Waterloo French Klingenthal Versailles Cuirassier Sword
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Dated along the blade’s spine for (Imperial) Klingenthal August 1810, the hilt marked to Versailles. Correct poinçons for Marion, Bick and Lobstein (see les Poinçons de la Manufacture d’Etat). Spear pointed blade (converted from original hatchet point just prior to Waterloo), no post-1815 markings, rack number on hilt does not match number on scabbard, hilt has not been replaced by the Model 1816; this is a Waterloo battlefield pick up (the hilt and scabbard has different rack numbers as the sword would have been drawn when it fell and later was married to another correct scabbard by the British / Allied victors). The fact the blade was made in 1810, only one hilt rack number and being Versailles with age / wear would tend to indicate also that the sword was in service with the same French cuirassier trooper for many years and battles. The grip is not original; if it were, this sword would be worth a lot more.
The 37 3/4 inch inch blade is in very good condition, some wear, some packing grease remnants, firm in the hilt. The hilt with age / wear indicating it is original to the blade (many hilt got damaged in battle and had to be replaced), plus a little bending to the protruding finale, is otherwise good. The grip is sound. The heavy steel chemically browned scabbard has been painted black at some stage; it is old paint and may be period, so we have left it (easily removed). The sword sheathes and draws well.
Great example with history, was £? (too late, now sold). Please quote item reference Y96. Further / full sized images available upon request. Box 1515-129x17x16 (3.547).
