Original French Model 1816 Restoration Pattern Light Cavalry Saber with Scabbard – dated December 1820 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. First issued after the defeat of Napoleon Bonaparte in 1815, this rare model of sword was the “Restoration Pattern” for King Louis XVII. These were interestingly issued with a 36 inch long Prussian style “Pipe Back” blade, as opposed to the standard fullered types usually used by France. This style of blade was not well received at all, proving to be quite unpopular. It was replaced relatively quickly by the model 1822, which is the Cavalry Saber that many other countries emulated during the 19th Century.

This example is in very good condition, showing only moderate wear, and is fresh “out of the attic”, with dried grease on the scabbard and blade. It still has the complete engraving on the spine, which reads: Manuf’re R’ale du Klingenthal X”bre 1820, the abbreviation for Manufacture Royale du Klingenthal décembre 1820. This sword was produced during December 1820 at the arsenal in Klingenthal, as many swords and other items from the early 1800s were. This arsenal was later closed, as it is in the Alsace area, which was a contested area between the German States and France for some time. It was not safe to have a major arsenal so close to the border.

There are multiple proof marks on the blade itself, as well as on one guard. All of the markings are definitely European style, so we do not see any evidence that this was issued later in Egypt. The blade does not show any post manufacture sharpening, and the edge is nick free.

The saber has the classic three branch brass Light Cavalry guard, with a wire bound leather covered wooden grip. The leather is still fully intact, in great shape with the original twisted wire wrapping complete as well. The sword comes complete with a two ring steel scabbard, which has some light oxidation overall, in addition to the grease mentioned before.

Replaced after only six years with the pattern of 1822, this is a very rare French Light Cavalry Sword, especially in this fine condition. Ready to restore or display as is!

Specifications:

Blade Length: 36 1/2″
Blade Style: Single Edge w/ Pipe Back
Overall length: 42 1/2“
Guard dimensions: 5″ width x 5” length
Scabbard length: 37 1/2”