Original French Model 1816 Restoration Pattern Light Cavalry Saber with Scabbard – dated July 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 moderate wear, and is still faintly engraved on the spine of the blade with the date Juillet 1820, French for July 1820. The other markings are partly unclear, but we can make out “thal“, so this was manufactured 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 saber has the classic three branch brass Light Cavalry guard, with a wire bound leather covered wooden grip. The leather is still mostly intact, with just a bit missing on the back. It also has shrunken some over the past 200 years. The sword comes complete with a two ring steel scabbard, which has an overall oxidized patina, with some surface rust near the drag.

Replaced after only six years with the pattern of 1822. A very rare French Light Cavalry Sword, ready to display!