[Timofey Semenov]

Hello
Help me identify this sword please. Blade 85,5sm
Klingenthal Coulaux Fréres... so a sword created prior to the 29 April 1810 inscription change.
Why the clipped point of the blade like this ? Light cavalry french AN IX normaly has other scabbard.
Blade incredible. I did not clean it, just rubbed with olive oil
And blade is like a mirror. It seems that it was blued maybe, i think still visible litle bit of blue. But without engraving.
What might be the price of this sword ? I took her, but we are still debating about price i must to pay.

Thank you very much

[Chris Goshey]

Timofey,

The scabbard looks like a normal AN XI saber except for the cut-out, here's some pictures of a similar one:

http://swordscollection.blogspot.com/2012/02/...sabre.html

I'm not an expert but a logical explanation for the clipped tip may be that it was broken at some point and the trooper issued it had it ground down into a new tip.

I'm not sure what it would be worth as is but here is one for sale for 1,650 pounds: http://www.andrewbottomley.com/a-rare-french-...-417-p.asp

Hope that helps.

[Colt Reeves]

Not sure if this helps, but I have a German Artillery Saber with a clipped point as well. I was told by the seller that they were experimenting with different tip designs to see if they could come up with a winner.

[Timofey Semenov]

http://www.oldswords.com/articles/Difference%...N%20XI.pdf

[Timofey Semenov]

Surviving example extremely rare, i suppose.
http://www.smallwebs.com/Swords/French%20light%20cav.PDF

[Timofey Semenov]

Still no idea ?
Blade looks like from officer sword.
Thank you guys

[Timofey Semenov]

So i got it. It is sous-officier sabre.

[Martin Knight]

Hi,
This is indeed an Officers sabre - NCO or Junior Officer. A Clipped tip is perfectly normal for such a piece. To confirm the blade is not shortened simply lay it against the scabbard with the heel of the blade level with the throat of the scabbard and you will find maybe 1 cm gap to the end of the scabbard.

The scabbard is not an Model scabbard as this is an Officers sabre. The raised lip around the lower half of the langets is a refinement not present on the troopers model, likewise the hanger "bracelets" are more refined.

The Bade is signed Coulaux frères not because it is prior 1810 (although that would hold for troopers) but because it manufactured by Klingenthal for commercial sale not Sate Contract. This is also confirmed by the absence of Inspectors & Réviseur stamps from the Manufactory on the blade.

Hope that helps.

[Martin Knight]

Here are pictures of the Troopers sabre compared to a Superior Officer version with Clipped tip (Gilt Brass bracelets & Hilt).