Unidentified French saber?
- Thread starter Kaisersammler
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John Josef
Well-known member
I believe it could be Bavarian from the Napoleonic period. They were an ally of France and were influenced heavily by the style of the times.
I have seen several Bavarian swords from the period none exactly like this one but several that are very similar especially with the swords shape, design and with the Lion head pommel.
The English also used the lion head pommel with a very similar design I'm 50 50 but hoping for Bavarian.
MFG John Josef
I have seen several Bavarian swords from the period none exactly like this one but several that are very similar especially with the swords shape, design and with the Lion head pommel.
The English also used the lion head pommel with a very similar design I'm 50 50 but hoping for Bavarian.
MFG John Josef
That saber is a masterpiece! You are very fortunate. I've been looking for a Napoleonic era lion head for years but the prices are usually ridiculous. The blade is made in Solingen (swirl on spine of blade) but like most officers swords from the Napoleonic period it could be attributed to any number of states since there is no royal cypher on the blade. Solingen produced blades for all of Europe and the rest of the world eventually. I've seen several similar lion heads attributed to various German confederate states under Napoleonic rule, obviously Bavaria comes to mind first but that's speculation. The basic shape of the pommel is similar to the iconic Austrian prima plana sabers but they're usually made more crudely, and French and Austrian inspired swords are by far the most popular of the 19th century. The longer length would signify cavalry but the leather scabbard would make it earlier 1800s or late 1700s. So technically it could be "ancien regime" as well.
I can't see the other side of the ricasso to see if there are maker's initials or full name. Rule of thumb is if there are only initials and not the full name it was probably produced under French occupation of Solingen. Full manufacturer names are usually pre-napoleonic (revolutionary period) or post. For example "Weyersberg" became "W".
Also, French officers did indeed carry lion head sabers! (along with almost everyone else, it's a very popular design from the 18/19th centuries) before and during the revolution but in my opinion the general construction of your saber indicates Napoleonic, and generally the lion heads tend to be considered German states. However there's always a possibility that it was a French officer as well.
Someone added a much later sword knot, which I can't identify at the moment (I'm not a knot guy) but it may lead you in the right direction. At first it appears German but the top half looks to large if you compare it to German types. Of course this type of knot was also used by many different countries as well.
Generally speaking European officer swords from the 18/19th centuries are very difficult to identify with accuracy unlike the trooper versions. You are very lucky to have such a beautiful specimen of a Solingen Lion head.
Best regards, Geoff
