A classic weapon carried by Pioneer elements in European armies from the late 18th century right through to the end of the Napoleonic wars. The sappers were normally armed with one of these and an axe and, apart from their job as regimental carpenters, their vital function was to assist the storm troop element of the unit in storming villages, etc.
The Army Museum in Paris confirmed this as a Soldats Charpentiers weapon of the Swiss Regiment de Vigier, one of the 11 Swiss regiments who fought for the French.
The blade is 24.5 inches long and 2.75 inches wide at the forte and has been carefully cleaned by hand. There is evidence of light pitting on both faces of the blade, which I have deliberately left as part of the proof of its age, being reluctant to polish out every trace of this on such a rare weapon. There is a forging flaw on one side, approximately 1 x 0.5 inches. The hilt is cast brass and has considerable age patina, especially on the eagle's head.
If you want to comment on this item—re quality, age, etc—please email me.
[Edged Weapons : Swords : German : 18th Century]
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