Original French Pattern 1814 Carabinere Cuirass Set with 3rd Empire Emblem – Dated 1831 Original Items

Original Items: One Set Only. The Elite Carabiniere were part of the French Heavy Cavalry during the Napoleonic Wars. After the defeat of Napoleon Bonaparte following his retreat from Moscow in 1812 and his exile to the island of Elba, the French Monarchy were re-instated under King Louis XVIII. Unfortunately this was short-lived with Napoleon’s escape from Elba and dramatic return to France in 1815. History tells us that most all of France, including the Military, rose up in rebellion supporting the return of the Emperor and probably one of the world’s most nail biting periods followed.

All of Napoleons old Enemies mobilized, finding themselves having to face the Scourge of Europe. Meanwhile the entire French Army had flocked to the Emperor’s Banner, including the elite Carabiniere. All Royal insignias were removed from the new uniforms and because of lack of time no former lst Empire insignia were available. This dramatic period lasted just over three months and became known as “The 100 Days”. The result was Napoleon’s lighting strike into Belgium, threatening England. The British, together with their Dutch and Belgian Allies, had to take action before the Prussians, Austrians and Russians etc could join them.

The Battle of Waterloo was a true turning point in Military History, Napoleon very nearly defeated Wellington and only the delayed but eventual arrival of the Prussians under Blucher saved the day. But for Fate Napoleon might have defeated Wellington and then without much difficulty defeated the Prussians, Austrians and Russians each in their own turn and history would be very different.

So much for the Historical Facts.

Here we offer, direct from an old European Collection, an extremely rare set of M-1814 Brass faced Cuirass of the elite Carabiniere the design from this tumultuous period.

The Cuirass, both front and back plates retain their original substantial brass facings however one chained shoulder strap is has torn leather that could be reattached with good adhesive. The other shoulder strap is present and both retain their complete brass chain suspension rings. Both the front and back plate bear the same French arsenal markings and dates on the lower left interior:

Manuf’re R’ale de Klingenthal Juin 1831

This is a slight abbreviation of “Manufacture Royale de Klingenthal Jun 1831”, for Manufacture at the Royal Arsenal at Klingenthal in June 1831 As this was manufactured in 1831 during the reign of Louis-Philippe I, the Citizen King of the House of Orléans, who reigned 1830–1848.

These were later updated by having the French Eagle Emblem of Emperor Napoleon the Third and well used in battle, first in the Crimean War of the early 1850’s and then in the Franco-Prussian war of 1871 particularly at the Battle of Sedan. The cuirass comes with its original leather waist strap with brass buckle but for some reason one side was cut diagonally across the belt where is joined the back plate. This also could be easily rectified with a good adhesive. In total this makes a really impressive display if mounted on a simple wood stand, atop of which just about any French Cavalry Helmet would really look the part.

Most inspiring and ready to cherish and display.