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Title First Empire Napoleonic infantry sword
Nationality French
Period c 1810
Sold

This fine sword, marked 'P. Knecht, in Solingen' at the forte, was probably assembled in France using this imported blade. Knecht appears as a maker in the Solingen directories around 1810 and the family was active for the next 30 years or so. I have had similar Napoleonic swords before with this blade maker.

Alexander the Great's head on the central part of the guard proves the Napoleonic connection - it is a classical allusion which the Bourbons would have felt extremely unhappy about. It has 95% of the original blue and gilt finish to the blade and virtually all the finish to the hilt. The grip is chequered walnut and the scabbard is the original leather with a little opening at the seam for about 4" near the hilt.

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


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

testimonials

I received the cockade today and am very pleased!

D B, UK, 27.12.2010

Excellent information, Chris, you've been making a big effort! I will spell it out more closely (I'm a historian!) and don't think Bezdek can add much more.

A C, Belgium, 26.06.2005

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