The model An XI sword was so called because it was designed in the eleventh year of the Revolutionary Calendar (1804). The final version of the sword was approved on the 22nd September 1804. Production of the AN XI sword took place from October 1804 until 1816.
The 960mm straight, single edged blade has a flat spine and twin fullers that continue to the modified spear point. Around 1814-1816, the original hatchet points of these swords were ground to spear points. The blade was made at the Klingenthal factory in 1814 and bears clear Klingenthal inspection stamps of François Louis Lobstein, Lt. Col. Etienne Borson, and Jean Georges Bick. The spine is clearly engraved with the Klingenthal armoury name and manufacture date.
The blade is in excellent condition with minimal speckles of pale grey tarnish.
The barred arco guard is stamped with numerical and lettered inspection marks, including the faint poincon of Etienne Borson (Klingenthal Director) which is found on the front of the beaked quillon. The leather wrapped grip is in very good condition and retains its wire.
The sword is complete with its original steel scabbard. The scabbard is in good condition, free from dents or damage with cleaned pitting along its length. The sword sheathes and draws smoothly from the scabbard.
This is a guaranteed genuine Napoleonic Wars Cuirassiers sword in very good condition and dating from 1814, making it likely that this sword saw service at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815.
