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