An exceptionally unusual French light cavalry sabre, Model An XI (modèle de l’An XI), fitted with a rare damascus steel blade manufactured at Klingenthal in 1814.

Introduced as the successor to the Model An IX, the An XI incorporated a strengthened and consequently heavier steel scabbard. The type was manufactured for French light cavalry during the Napoleonic period, with this example bearing markings associated with the Manufacture de Versailles.

What sets this sabre apart is its blade. Regulation examples were normally equipped with blades of homogeneous steel, whereas this example carries a beautifully patterned damascus steel blade. Such a non-standard, high-quality blade on what is essentially a trooper-pattern weapon is highly unusual. It may indicate a weapon intended for an NCO who wished to distinguish his sabre from those of ordinary troopers, or alternatively an officer’s combat sabre based on the regulation pattern. Without further documentary evidence, its original ownership cannot be established with certainty.

The blade bears inspection marks associated with E. L. Borson, inspector from August 1814 to September 1816; J. G. Bick, first-class controller; and F. L. Lobstein, reviser. The hilt and scabbard carry Versailles markings, including the C beneath a star associated with Châteaubrun, inspector at Versailles from July to December 1813.

The combination of an 1813-inspected Versailles hilt with an 1814 Klingenthal blade indicates that the blade postdates the hilt. Other inspection marks include the Versailles V, generally interpreted as visité or vérifié. A further mark may be attributable to P. Bick, although this is less clearly legible.

The leather buffer washer has been replaced, the original having deteriorated.

A particularly rare variation of one of the characteristic French light cavalry sabres of the Napoleonic period, distinguished by its non-regulation damascus blade and unusually informative inspection markings.

Reference: Michel Pétard, Des Sabres et des Épées – Troupes à Cheval de Louis XIV à l’Empire, Tome I.