In good condition, an authentic Waterloo Imperial Klingenthal French An XIII Cuirassier Trooper’s Sword
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This sword has been through the wars, literally. Dated September 1813 to the blade’s spine with correct Poinçons of Krantz, Bick and Lobstein to the forte, the hilt / guard original to the blade (has not been replaced like so many were), this Imperial Napoleonic heavy cavalry sword of the French Grande Armee saw service during the Peninsular War, the French Invasion of Russia and the 100 Days War / Waterloo. The spear pointed blade is a good / sure indication it was at Waterloo as this was a field modification carried out just before the famous battle and there are no post-1815 modifications (replacement grip with increased number of grip turns and / or the 1816 hilt / guard with forward facing outer ridge) to suggest this may have been done after.
Matching guard / hilt and scabbard rack / serial numbers (188)! The original hilt rack number (583) having been struck out, no doubt when it received the latest scabbard. So, the scabbard is circa Waterloo, but the sword itself is older.
The 37 1/4 inch blade has some age and inert rust spots but is very good besides and firm in the hilt. The hilt / guard is very good but with patina / tarnish / grubby patches (would clean up but think twice before you make it look new on an old rest of sword). The original leather grip and twisted grip wire bindings are sound / good and a huge bonus. The blackened heavy steel scabbard has age but is good. The sword sheathes and draws well.
What a beauty, and if only it could tell of its service! Hold it, the very same grip as the Napoleonic French Cuirassier, and imagine; the price of £1700 is worth that experience alone, and this is an investment which will only appreciate, as these swords become harder and harder to source (owners really don’t like giving them up). Please quote item reference Z64. Further / full sized images available upon request. Box 1599-123x15x14 (2.858).
