The model An XI sword was so called because it was originally designed in the eleventh year of the Republican Calendar (1804). The final version on the sword was approved on the 22nd September 1804. Production of the final version 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 the Klingenthal inspection stamps of François Louis Lobstein, a worn poincon for Jean Georges Bick and a very worn poincon which is probably that of Joseph Kranz. The spine engraving is worn but clearly shows the production date of 1814.
The blade is in very good condition and retains its fighting edge.
The barred Arco guard is stamped with the serial number 1293 and a cancelled serial number alongside inspection marks. The poincon of Etienne Borson (Klingenthal Director in 1814) is stamped on the back of the beaked quillon. The front of the quillon is stamped with a B and the letter A. The leather wrapped grip is in very good condition and retains its wire.
The sword is complete with its polished steel scabbard with twin suspension rings. The scabbard is in very good condition, free from dents or damage with some cleaned pitting on the shoe. The top ring band is stamped with the serial number, 705. The sword sheathes and draws smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard.
This is a guaranteed genuine Napoleonic Wars Cuirassiers sword dating from 1814.
