Napoleonic French Imperial Guard Light Cavalry Saber

This Imperial Guard Light Cavalry Trooper’s Saber captures the panache and cutting power of the originals fielded from 1803 onward. The deeply curved blade (unsharpened) is tempered EN9 high-carbon steel and shows period-style marks on the spine: “Mfture Nale de Klingenthal Coulaux frès Entreps.” The reverse bears inspection stamps for Director Levavsseur (LW) and Contrôleur Jean-Jacques Mouton (M). A robust brass guard and backstrap frame a ribbed black-leather grip bound with twisted brass wire. The leather washer at the shoulder cushions the guard when sheathing into the brass-mounted, leather-covered wooden scabbard with dual suspension rings.

Introduced in 1803 for Napoleon’s beloved enfants chéris—the Horse Chasseurs of the Imperial Guard—this saber became a hallmark weapon of the Emperor’s personal escort. Renowned for lightning cavalry charges and impeccable turnout, the Guard Chasseurs accompanied Napoleon from the victorious campaigns of the Grand Armée to the final act at Waterloo. The pattern’s graceful curve optimized slashing power from the saddle while maintaining the authority expected of Imperial Guard arms.