Weaponedge: 1802 French Cuirassier Sword
Jan 27, 2010 22:14:11 GMT
Post by Deleted on Jan 27, 2010 22:14:11 GMT
Weaponedge : French AN XIII Cuirassier Enlisted Sword
Introduction: This is the 2d report on the 8 swords I received from Weaponedge thru Rob Stanford’s Stromloswords on 13 Jan 10. In the original order this was the only non-British sword in the lot. Napoleonic French Cuirassier swords are highly prized in the collector market and it’s not unusual to see $1800-3600 fees associated with them. The Weaponedge sword lists for $220. Expectations should be lowered, one would think.
Historical Overview
The French AN XIII Heavy Cav Saber The Cuirassier is probably the most recognized element of the Napoleonic cavalry service. In the late 17th Century mainstream European cavalry abandoned metal armor, believing the musket had made it superfluous. As often happens such judgment proved premature. The musket had many weaknesses that allowed cavalry shock to stay on the battlefield. To accommodate melee the cavalry brought back leather armor ( Cuirass ). The reappearance of armor called for larger swords and that in turn brought back steel body armor.
The 1802 heavy is a rework of older shorter straight blades, such as the Valmy.
French Heavy Cavalry doctrine was committed to the thrust as the superior form of attack; thus the long straight blade. The sketch of Cuirassiers in full charge demonstrates the guard up/point down method of attack with the sword. It is an awkward position for maneuvering the big blade. But it serves the purpose of fully committing the cavalryman to a thrust attack.
One would think the Cuirassiers were a large element of the cavalry force given their reputation. Actually, at maximum numbers in 1810 (14 Regts) they comprised about 16% of the total mounted service. The Dragoons were more than twice as numerous ( 30 ). They carried the same sword.
Napoleon lavished attention on his soldiers. He demanded a blood price for it. A ruthless tactician, Napoleon violated the caution of squandering expensive mounted troops on the battlefield, and put his heavy cavalry close to the front where he would willingly use them to tip the action in his favor. At the pointy end of the cavalry storm rumbled the Heavies… A CUIRASSIER!!! VIVE L’EMPEREUR!!!
Initial Impressions: Memories of my Type 2 Imperial Guard Heavy cav sword cause me to be somewhat suspicious of the expected weight and balance of this piece. Some of the detail on the brass guard aren’t as crisp as originals, but with its inspection markings in place this could pass for the real thing.
Statistics AN XIII Sword
Blade Length 37.5
Handle Length 4.5
Overall Length 44
Blade Width 1in 3/8th
Point of Balance 7ins
Percussion Point 28ins
Sword Weight 2lbs 15oz
Scabbard Weight 1lbs 5ozs
Components:
The Blade: A double fullered blade up to it’s full length. Earlier blades had a hatchet point. This made no sense until you remember to present the blade “upside down” and the point aligns the way the Cav school wants you to do it. Units in the field were quick to regrind their swords to get a straight point. By 1812 the government issues were coming out that way.
The Handle: All handles are wood core and leather wrapped. The roomy 4.5 inch handle is comfortable.
The Guard: As with most French swords the guard is brass. There is a minimalist face plate that runs out to a knuckle bow to the pommel. Three swirled tynes protect the back of the hand and converge with the knuckle bow before the pommel.
The Pommel: The usual Phyrgian Cap.
The Scabbard: As of 1812 this sword employed a light weight steel scabbard. There is a clip inside the top of the scabbard. It is otherwise devoid of padding.
Handling Characteristics: In spite of it’s being nearly three pounds this sword is actually pretty well balanced and getting it into position is surprisingly easy. Keeping it there will take some effort. This is not a hussar saber. You use it to attack with the point. You aren’t supposed to defend yourself with the blade: they gave you body armor for that. On the basis of that philosophy this is an efficient weapon.
Test Cutting: Not sure I’d trust this type of blade to mat cutting. Draw cuts and thrusts are what this is made for.
Conclusions:
Pros:
Big surprise here. This is a very good heavy sword replica.
Fit and finish is generally good
This is a bargain. The real ones are dreadfully expensive, and these are almost that good.
Cons:
The old stick about whether Weaponedge swords are durable. I can’t think of anything else bad to say about this one.
The Bottom Line:
If you have any interest in Napoleonic swords this one is a no brainer. Really pleased with this acquisition. Only thing that would torque me mightly would be to strike a mat and have the blade fold up on me. I doubt that’s going to happen. This is a pretty stout piece.
One thing I can’t answer is what the difference is between the Cuirassier and Dragoon versions being offered by Weaponedge. Is the Dragoon an earlier blade with the hatchet point? Let’s ask Rob….
More pics can be found at the photobucket file:
s747.photobucket.com/albums/xx115/kelly1863/French%201802%20Heavy%20Cavalry%20Sword%20Cuirassier/?albumview=slideshow
Introduction: This is the 2d report on the 8 swords I received from Weaponedge thru Rob Stanford’s Stromloswords on 13 Jan 10. In the original order this was the only non-British sword in the lot. Napoleonic French Cuirassier swords are highly prized in the collector market and it’s not unusual to see $1800-3600 fees associated with them. The Weaponedge sword lists for $220. Expectations should be lowered, one would think.
Historical Overview
The French AN XIII Heavy Cav Saber The Cuirassier is probably the most recognized element of the Napoleonic cavalry service. In the late 17th Century mainstream European cavalry abandoned metal armor, believing the musket had made it superfluous. As often happens such judgment proved premature. The musket had many weaknesses that allowed cavalry shock to stay on the battlefield. To accommodate melee the cavalry brought back leather armor ( Cuirass ). The reappearance of armor called for larger swords and that in turn brought back steel body armor.
The 1802 heavy is a rework of older shorter straight blades, such as the Valmy.
French Heavy Cavalry doctrine was committed to the thrust as the superior form of attack; thus the long straight blade. The sketch of Cuirassiers in full charge demonstrates the guard up/point down method of attack with the sword. It is an awkward position for maneuvering the big blade. But it serves the purpose of fully committing the cavalryman to a thrust attack.
One would think the Cuirassiers were a large element of the cavalry force given their reputation. Actually, at maximum numbers in 1810 (14 Regts) they comprised about 16% of the total mounted service. The Dragoons were more than twice as numerous ( 30 ). They carried the same sword.
Napoleon lavished attention on his soldiers. He demanded a blood price for it. A ruthless tactician, Napoleon violated the caution of squandering expensive mounted troops on the battlefield, and put his heavy cavalry close to the front where he would willingly use them to tip the action in his favor. At the pointy end of the cavalry storm rumbled the Heavies… A CUIRASSIER!!! VIVE L’EMPEREUR!!!
Initial Impressions: Memories of my Type 2 Imperial Guard Heavy cav sword cause me to be somewhat suspicious of the expected weight and balance of this piece. Some of the detail on the brass guard aren’t as crisp as originals, but with its inspection markings in place this could pass for the real thing.
Statistics AN XIII Sword
Blade Length 37.5
Handle Length 4.5
Overall Length 44
Blade Width 1in 3/8th
Point of Balance 7ins
Percussion Point 28ins
Sword Weight 2lbs 15oz
Scabbard Weight 1lbs 5ozs
Components:
The Blade: A double fullered blade up to it’s full length. Earlier blades had a hatchet point. This made no sense until you remember to present the blade “upside down” and the point aligns the way the Cav school wants you to do it. Units in the field were quick to regrind their swords to get a straight point. By 1812 the government issues were coming out that way.
The Handle: All handles are wood core and leather wrapped. The roomy 4.5 inch handle is comfortable.
The Guard: As with most French swords the guard is brass. There is a minimalist face plate that runs out to a knuckle bow to the pommel. Three swirled tynes protect the back of the hand and converge with the knuckle bow before the pommel.
The Pommel: The usual Phyrgian Cap.
The Scabbard: As of 1812 this sword employed a light weight steel scabbard. There is a clip inside the top of the scabbard. It is otherwise devoid of padding.
Handling Characteristics: In spite of it’s being nearly three pounds this sword is actually pretty well balanced and getting it into position is surprisingly easy. Keeping it there will take some effort. This is not a hussar saber. You use it to attack with the point. You aren’t supposed to defend yourself with the blade: they gave you body armor for that. On the basis of that philosophy this is an efficient weapon.
Test Cutting: Not sure I’d trust this type of blade to mat cutting. Draw cuts and thrusts are what this is made for.
Conclusions:
Pros:
Big surprise here. This is a very good heavy sword replica.
Fit and finish is generally good
This is a bargain. The real ones are dreadfully expensive, and these are almost that good.
Cons:
The old stick about whether Weaponedge swords are durable. I can’t think of anything else bad to say about this one.
The Bottom Line:
If you have any interest in Napoleonic swords this one is a no brainer. Really pleased with this acquisition. Only thing that would torque me mightly would be to strike a mat and have the blade fold up on me. I doubt that’s going to happen. This is a pretty stout piece.
One thing I can’t answer is what the difference is between the Cuirassier and Dragoon versions being offered by Weaponedge. Is the Dragoon an earlier blade with the hatchet point? Let’s ask Rob….
More pics can be found at the photobucket file:
s747.photobucket.com/albums/xx115/kelly1863/French%201802%20Heavy%20Cavalry%20Sword%20Cuirassier/?albumview=slideshow
Nice job, interesting piece and history......Sanmarc.
. Of course the difference in scabbard is quiet 
