Bavarian Infantry Hanger, Sword, ca. 1810

Description

Two-piece brass hilt with stirrup guard and single scroll quillon; dove-head pommel with
button and integral backstrap. Ribbed wood handle with brown leather wrap. Curved 23
½” singled-edged blade with single narrow fuller toward the back edge; engraved cypher of
King Maximilian I Joseph (reigned 1806-1825) on both sides. Maximilian was an ally of
Napoleon when he took the throne, but on the eve of the Battle of Leipzig he guaranteed
the integrity of his kingdom through the Treaty of Reid (8 October, 1813), joining the allies
opposed to Napoleon and declared war on France on 14 October, 1813. After the final fall
of Napoleon, he fought fiercely for the independence of Bavaria. Overall length 28 ½”.
Very good condition, showing its age with scattered light pitting and age patina to blade
and mellow golden brown patina to the brass. No scabbard. This sword could possibly
have seen action on both sides during the Napoleonic Wars.