Original Item: Only One Available. This is the classic Cuirassier/heavy Cavalry Sword often referred to as the AN XI having been adopted in the 11th year following the French revolution. This was the type that saw service all over Europe and Moscow in 1812 with the Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte and at his final defeat at Waterloo in 1815.
This sword clearly has a history of use in that the blade was replaced in 1816, the same year as the model changed, indicating that the original blade was broken, possibly even at Waterloo. The leather grip covering and wire binding are now absent but could certainly be restored. The blade is arsenal marked in script on the back together with the blade replacement date of January 1816, just six months after the great battle.
The sword comes complete in the original heavy all steel scabbard with two hanging loops. The scabbard shows considerable pitting overall and is offered in “as found” condition probably from living for perhaps 100-150 years in a barn. Absolutely NO restoration has been undertaken since coming to light, just the way it survived the Napoleonic Wars.