Actual heavy cavalry officer sabres are rare, but this one is actually unique. This is a fairly early version of the pattern, one fitted with an actual French Napoleonic cavalry officer blade.
The blade is indeed of the an XI model, meant for light cavalry and artillery officers. While most of the decor is now gone, we can still observe two engraved fleurons, as well as the original controller’s poincon. The latter, shaped like a “C”, indicates that this sword was produced for the French army in Solingen in what was then the Grand Duchy of Berg; a French client state. We can presume that this blade was probably captured by this officer, who later had it remounted when the 1821 pattern became regulation.
The sabre comes with an interesting mameluke style scabbard of British make, which fits the blade like a glove. It lost one of its rings, but is otherwise in great shape. This type of scabbard was carried during the Napoleonic and Regency eras.
The blade went through some restoration to repair damage to its edge. As such, it is now quite blunt, but in good overall shape. The sword itself is very solid.
British swords with captured French blades are extremely rare. This is remarkable sword, and a piece of British Napoleonic history that you will hardly ever find again.
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