*Prussian, c1814, Napoleonic War era, Model 1811 Blüchersable & Scabbard (1796 Pattern Light Cavalry Sword), Matching Regimental Marks*
Approximate Measurements: 82cm blade, 94cm overall.
Marked on Crossguard: 8.T.P. 2.66. 739. C.
Marked on Spine: 739
Marked underneath Crossguard: crowned proofmark
Marked on Scabbard: 8.T.P. 2.66 (8th (armaments) Train Battalion, Division 2, Sabre No. 66.)
Marked on 1st ring mount on Scabbard: 739 C. 1.
Marked on scabbard throat: crowned proofmark, N
The Prussian Model 1811 is very similar to the British 1796 Light Cavalry Sword, but it quite a bit more solid. Its’ matching regimental markings to the cross guard and scabbard “8.T.P.2.66” also confirm that it was used by the Prussians. 8th (armament) Train Battalion, Division 2, Sabre No. 66. Marked with proofmark underneath the crossguard. Heavy single edged curved blade, with the characteristic increase in blade width near to the point, and single broad fuller on each side. Simple ‘stirrup’ form hilt with riveted grip “ears”, a single iron knucklebow and quillon and wide single rounded langets. Original wood grip and leather over cord wrap.
Housed in original steel scabbard fitted with two loose rings and issue stamps.
Background:
The Prussian Model 1811 sabre, known as the “Blüchersabel,” was a direct adaptation of the British 1796 Pattern Light Cavalry sabre. This design was adopted by the Prussian cavalry in 1811 and received its informal name after Field Marshal Gebhard Leberecht von Blücher, the famous Prussian commander at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. It was this sword that Napoleon himself was said to have complained about, stating that the shape of the blade made the tip especially vicious and therefore was an affront to humanity.
The development of the Prussian Model 1811 sabre can be traced back to 1809 when Prussian troops first received British P1796 sabres. Between 1807 and 1813, around 10,000 British sabres were supplied to the Prussians, who, due to the limitations imposed by the Treaty of Tilsit and the destruction of their own arms industry, relied heavily on these British imports.
Following Napoleon’s defeat at the Battle of Leipzig in 1813 and the liberation of the Solingen sword-making center from French control, Prussia began its own production of the modified sabre in early 1814. The initial Prussian-made 1811 sabres were modeled after the British design but featured some improvements to address feedback from British cavalrymen. These enhancements included a stronger and more robust hilt and a heavier scabbard drag.
The blade of the Model 1811 retained the characteristic widening near the tip, which gave it devastating cutting power despite affecting balance. The hilt was made thicker and heavier than the British P1796 to provide increased durability and stability. The Prussian design became so well-regarded that it remained in service, with modifications, until the outbreak of World War II in 1939. This longevity is a testament to its effectiveness and durability on the battlefield.
The Blüchersabel not only served as a key weapon during the Napoleonic Wars but also saw extensive use by various Prussian and later German cavalry units through multiple conflicts, further solidifying its legacy as a versatile and influential design in military swordsmanship.
*Condition*
Overall very good condition for a sword more than 200 years old! The scabbard fits securely. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
RQMGOOX_7953182018
