French First Empire Model AN XI Cuirassier Sword, 1812

Description

Introduced in 1804 and produced until 1816, the AN XI (so named because it was introduced in the 11^th year of the Revolutionary Calendar), was carried by Napoleon’s heavy cavalry known as cuirassier, because they wore the breast and back plate known as a cuirass. It featured a brass guard with knuckle-guard and three branches attached to the phrygian helmet style pommel; this example stamped “104 B” and an undecipherable mark (VERSAILLES?) on the knuckle-guard. Underside of guard stamped with “W”, “J” and another undecipherable mark. A “W” and another undecipherable mark are stamped on the inside of the guard. Pommel stamped with a “B”, a “P”, an “X”, and another mark. The grip wrapped with leather and twisted brass wire with brass base ferrule. Heavy, straight 37 1/2” (95 cm) single-edged blade with twin full-length fullers extending to the spear point, the spine engraved “Mfture impale du Klingenthal Decembre 1812” in script. Near the guard are stamped the “K” mark of the Klingenthal Armory 1812, the “B” mark of Jean George Bick (Controller 1^st Class from 1812 to 1815) and the “L” mark of Francois Louis Lobstein (1804-1829). Iron scabbard with twin carry rings, the top band stamped with “104”, matching the number on the guard and indicating this scabbard is the original to this sword. Most of these swords were refurbished after Napoleon’s defeat at Waterloo, with the original hatchet points ground to a spear point, as is this example. The hilt is near excellent with minor wear to the leather-wrapped grip and retaining its leather blade washer. Blade smooth, with no pitting and minor scabbard wear. The scabbard with scattered pitting and dark gray gunmetal patina. Overall length 44” (112 cm). An outstanding example of a pre-Waterloo sword of Napoleon’s famed cuirassier.