RARE "CUIRASSIER DE LA GARDE IMPERIALE" SAPPER'S AXE. Large "hammer" back iron stamped "3", edge protected by a brass piece held in place by a screw. Blackened beechwood handle stamped "Cuir", "Impériale" under crown, with brass tip, extended by a button that attaches to the base of the harness. With its whitened buffalo axe-holder harness, with brass buckle and iron snap hook. T.B.E. Second Empire period. This sapper's axe is the same one used by the Dragons and Cuirassiers of the Imperial Guard. The only difference was that the Dragons wore it on their backs, while the Cuirassiers wore it on their saddles. Provenance : Denis Collection. Jean Louis Noisiez Collection

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