1796 L.C. Officers Sword.

Richard · 24th August 2010, 08:13 AM

When I was collecting French 1st Empire swords a few years ago, one of the things I always used to look for was denting and damage at the bottom of the scabbard as in the Imperial Guard Chasseur a Cheval scabbard below. All French cavalry swords with brass scabbards sustained this sort of damage where the bottom of the scabbard clashed with the rider's spurs in general or in a melee. It is something that always delineates a genuine example from a forgery.

Richard · 24th August 2010, 08:17 AM

On the other hand, here is the scabbard from Gen Francis Hugonin's (4th Dragoons) sword (before restoration) showing a very nice dent which has bent it at rakish angle of about 15 deg. Was this caused by the blow of an enemy sabre? Maybe it deflected a musket ball? No, the answer is that it was stored in an attic for about 25 years and some fool stepped on it!

Jim McDougall · 25th August 2010, 01:05 AM

Thanks Richard!! Those are excellent pointers in looking at these swords, and those are the kind of tips that really help in assessing these weapons. Thank you for sharing them, especially about the dings at the end of the scabbard, one never thinks of the damage to the scabbard, always focused on the sword. This is true weapons forensics, looking for clues beyond what is normally the center of attention.

All the best,
Jim

24th August 2010, 08:13 AM	#1
Richard Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Aquae Sulis, UK Posts: 46	When I was collecting French 1st Empire swords a few years ago, one of the things I always used to look for was denting and damage at the bottom of the scabbard as in the Imperial Guard Chasseur a Cheval scabbard below. All French cavalry swords with brass scabbards sustained this sort of damage where the bottom of the scabbard clashed with the rider's spurs in general or in a melee. It is something that always delineates a genuine example from a forgery. Attached Images

24th August 2010, 08:17 AM	#2
Richard Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Aquae Sulis, UK Posts: 46	On the other hand, here is the scabbard from Gen Francis Hugonin's (4th Dragoons) sword (before restoration) showing a very nice dent which has bent it at rakish angle of about 15 deg. Was this caused by the blow of an enemy sabre? Maybe it deflected a musket ball? No, the answer is that it was stored in an attic for about 25 years and some fool stepped on it! Attached Images

25th August 2010, 01:05 AM	#3
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,192	Thanks Richard!! Those are excellent pointers in looking at these swords, and those are the kind of tips that really help in assessing these weapons. Thank you for sharing them, especially about the dings at the end of the scabbard, one never thinks of the damage to the scabbard, always focused on the sword. This is true weapons forensics, looking for clues beyond what is normally the center of attention. All the best, Jim