French Heavy Cuirassier Trooper’s Sword, Pattern 1802

The French Heavy Cuirassier Trooper's Sword, Pattern 1802, is an iconic cavalry weapon used by Napoleon’s heavy cavalry during the Napoleonic Wars. These swords were large, robust, and designed for powerful, cutting attacks by mounted soldiers. Here's a detailed look at this specific sword:

Pattern 1802:
The 1802 model was part of a long line of French cavalry swords. This pattern had a distinct heavy, straight blade with a single edge, designed for delivering slashing attacks while on horseback. The sword was typically around 97 cm (38 inches) in overall length, with a blade measuring approximately 89 cm (35 inches). It had a wide, fuller (groove) running down most of its length, which lightened the blade without compromising its strength.

Design and Features:
Blade: The heavy, straight blade was suited for the close combat conditions of cavalry charges. Its weight and length made it deadly in the hands of a cuirassier, who could deliver powerful slashes from horseback.

Guard and Hilt: The sword featured a brass guard with a knuckle bow for hand protection, which was an evolution from earlier, less-protected models. The guard could be D-shaped or have multiple bars, ensuring the trooper's hand was protected during combat.

Grip: The grip was made of leather, bound with wire or sometimes covered with fish skin to improve the soldier's hold.

Pommel: The sword was typically capped with a brass pommel, which also helped balance the weight of the long blade.

Manufacturing at Klingenthal:
The sword was manufactured at the Imperial Armoury at Klingenthal in April 1811. The Klingenthal (meaning "Valley of Blades") factory, established in 1730, became one of the most prestigious blade producers in Europe.

Klingenthal Armoury was famous for producing high-quality swords for the French military. After being taken over by the French state during the Napoleonic era, it became the centre for producing sabres, swords, and bayonets for French troops.

Historical Context:
Heavy cuirassiers were the elite shock troops of Napoleon’s cavalry. Wearing full body armor (cuirasses), they were tasked with breaking enemy lines in devastating charges.

The 1802 pattern sword would have been carried during major Napoleonic campaigns, such as the Peninsular War, the Russian Campaign, and the Hundred Days including the Battle of Waterloo in 1815.

These troopers played a pivotal role in battle tactics, as they were used to smash through infantry or engage enemy cavalry. Their heavy swords allowed for powerful strikes from horseback, cutting through enemy defenses.

The inscription marking April 1811 means this specific sword could have been used in campaigns like Napoleon's Russian invasion of 1812. Given its manufacturing origin at Klingenthal, it’s a piece with a rich history, embodying the skill of French swordmakers during one of Europe’s most intense military periods.