A fine French light cavalry trooper’s sabre, Model AN XI, manufactured at Klingenthal in 1812, during the First Empire.

The curved regulation blade bears a partially cleaned spine inscription, with “du Klingenthal Octobre 1812” still visible. Its date places its manufacture during the year of Napoleon’s Russian campaign. While this makes a connection with the campaign possible, there is no provenance establishing that this particular sabre served in Russia.

The sabre retains its brass three-branch guard, leather-covered grip and steel scabbard. It is accompanied by an original white buff-leather sword knot (dragonne). The dragonne is period-original but was not originally issued with this particular sabre and has been added subsequently.