34 - FRANCE, First Empire (1804–1815)

FRANCE, First Empire (1804–1815) Versailles Armory. Infantry saber, known as a “briquet,” Year XI model. Single-piece cast brass guard with one branch, featuring 28 gadroons, and a crossguard with a crooked tip. Stamped [JC - AC] and marked “Versailles.” Slightly curved single-edged blade with two hollow edges, inscribed at the heel with "No Me Satues Sin Rason" [Do not judge me without reason] and "No Me Enbaines Sin Honor" [Do not betray me without honor] and martial trophies; flat back, underlined by two partial fuller grooves, and ending in a small counter-edge. Blade length: 67.2 cm - Total length: 81.5 cm. Without scabbard. With a brass pommel. As is; wear, scratches, and dents; old oxidation on the blade, cleaned. Sabre that saw action during the Spanish campaign and was likely recovered by a Spanish soldier. Curved blade with inscription. Without scabbard, with a reattached brass pommel. As-is.