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Title 4th Chasseurs officer's sword a l'Anglaise
Nationality French
Period c 1803-06
Sold

This is a rare survivor of the French version of an English spadroon. The '4' within a bugle horn at the hilt indicates the 4th Light Infantry or Chasseurs, who fought with great distinction throughout the Napoleonic Wars and were on the field at Quatre Bras and Waterloo at the end. The maker's mark appears to be 'Goze (?), Fourbisseur a Metz'.

The fashion for these swords came about during the period between the Peace of Amiens in 1802 and the beginning of the empire in 1804. They were no longer being made in 1806, as a result of the resumed hostilities with England.

Christian Aries' volume on these swords a l'Anglaise suggests that they could also have been worn as a walking out sword by the Chasseurs a Cheval. These units were half way between dragoons and hussars.

This fine sword has much of its gilding remaining on its brass hilt and some of the gilt finish on the scabbard mounts. It has its original scabbard leather which has a small cut to the base near the chape; the stitching is intact. There is a small split to the reverse of the ebony grip. Of the blued and gilt finish to the blade, nothing substantially remains except the gilding around the maker's mark at the forte of the blade.

If you want to comment on this item—re quality, age, etc—please email me.


[Edged Weapons : Swords : French : 19th Century]

testimonials

Thank you. I received your letter and ammo pouch.

Very nice!

Thank you very much.

N T, Japan, 01.11.2012

The belt buckle arrived by today's post. I am absolutely delighted with it and with your prompt and courteous service.

G S, UK, 29.06.2010

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