TWO RARE "PARADE" EAGLE-BEARER ESPONTONS MODELE 1811. Double-edged estoc points with median edges and four hollow sides. Mounted on a round socket passing through an axe-shaped halberd iron on one side, extended by a corbin beak on the opposite. The socket is extended by two splints inlaid in the shaft, secured by countersunk screws, with three protruding tallow-drop screws on one side, designed to secure the flame. Blackened wooden shafts ending in an iron shoe. Manufactured in 1812 by Manufacture de Klingenthal in 400 examples and two examples in 1815. On one: markings on the Iron: "K" spangled - "B" - "27" - "53". Markings on the Heel: "B" and two illegible hallmarks. On the other: markings on the Iron: "K" spangled - "B" - "32". Markings on the Heel: "K" spangled - "B" with palms - "C" spangled. B.E. First Empire period. Iron length: 32 cm (without splints). Total length: 2.44 m Provenance : Souvenirs and objets d'art of the Princes of Baden at Baden-Baden Castle, Sotheby's, October 5-21, 1995. History: Napoleon's letter to Berthier, November 30, 1811: "The eagle of each regiment will be escorted by two eagle-bearers who independently of the pair of pistols they carry on their chest, will have an esponton. The dimensions of this esponton need to be determined, so that it will be a good defensive weapon. We'll add a girandole that will scare the horses and can be seen from afar. Bibliography: See Ariès plate n°XXIV (1977).