SOLD Antique Napoleonic First French Empire Cavalry Sabre Sword Model AN IX
SOLD Antique 19th century, French Napoleonic, light cavalry Sabre, Model AN IX/XI. At the time of its design - the ninth year of the Revolutionary calendar (1800 A.D.)
This Napoleonic sabre was introduced for the French, Chasseurs, Hussar regiments, and the Polish Lancers of the Vistula Legion (please see the last picture from the reference book attached in the listing) of the first Empire Napoleonic Army, and was known as a “Sabre Cavalerie Legere Modele AN XI” – Year 11 of the Revolutionary calendar (1803 A.D.). A long broad, slightly curved steel blade cut with full-length fuller, three bar brass guard with downcurving qullion and elliptical langets, integral back piece with a helmet pommel and a wooden robust grip covered with leather, with two half olive brass buttons.
The blade is hand engraved on the spine with The Klingenthal arsenal inscription: " Mfture de Klingenthal Coulaux frères Entrep rs " this type of the Klingenthal arsenal inscription is rarely found on the AN XI pattern sabers. The blade ricasso stamped "M" surmounted by a toothed wheel, a proof mark of the 1st Class inspector and controller of sword production for the French Army in 1798 -1809 A.D. Jean-Jacques Mouton.
The Year IX was followed closely by the Year XI sword in 1802, which had a much sturdier scabbard. As with the first pattern of cuirassier's scabbard, the scabbard of the Year IX was found to be too light and prone to damage, meaning the sword could either not be sheathed or could potentially become trapped inside. As such, the scabbard on the Year XI was significantly thicker and heavier, in order to prevent such problems. In response to another issue of weakness found in the Year IX, the Year XI was made with the bars of the guard extending all the way to the head of the backpiece - or 'pommel' - to make a more robust guard. However, both swords were produced and used simultaneously during the period.
Intended for all light cavalry and horse artillery, the Year IX/XI was most enthusiastically received by the more numerous regiments of the chasseurs à cheval, whereas hussar regiments were keen to retain the distinctive sabres of their arm. When lancer regiments were added to French army lists in 1811 they too were armed with the Year IX/XI, and unlike the lance, which was only carried by half a squadrons number, the Year IX/XI was carried by all the regiment's personnel.
MEASUREMENTS:
Overall length: 97 cm (38.19 inches)
Blade length: 83.2 cm (32.76 inches)
Width of the blade at the widest point: 35.88 mm
Thickness of the blade spine: 9.77 mm
WEIGHT: 889 grams (1.96 Pounds)
Condition: Showing the age and usage, the blade edge with traces of old sharpening, which is characteristic for combat sabers used in many battles, brass hilt with minor cracks, almost certainly from combat, wooden grip and leather damaged. All of this is an aspect from a used antique combat sword that is over 200 years old. Please see the photos as they are a part of the description.
REFERENCES: Les Sabres portés par l'armée française by Jean Lhoste, Patrick Resek
We will provide the buyer with photocopies of the pages from the mentioned references together with a certificate of authenticity.
