Product description
This saber is a replica of French originals that appeared in 1801 in Napoleon Bonaparte's army. Despite the declining effectiveness of armor and the increasing effectiveness of firearms, the French cavalry in Napoleon's army still wore armor – medieval-style chest and back plates – with mixed success. They were mildly useful for long-range musket and pistol fire. Combined with a decorated, plumed helmet and horsehair tails, the Cuirassier's armor created an imposing appearance as he ran into the fray. Surviving accounts of British opponents testify to the paralyzing spectacle of compact groups of Cuirassiers emerging from behind the French front lines. This is his sword; the French Model 1801 Cuirassier's sword is a heavy cavalry sword with a straight blade, because the French preferred the thrust to striking or cutting. This replica weighed just over 1.36 kg and had significant mass required for a lance-like thrusting attack. The distally tapered blade is over 0.63cm thick at the handle and has double blood troughs like the originals. It has a brass hilt and pommel. The grip is wrapped with leather and steel wire.
