This Elite Gendarmes of the Imperial Guard Saber Briquet has a blade forged of high carbon steel and etched on both sides with a mortar shell and fuse. The hilt is cast from brass and the wooden grip is overlaid in black leather and inlaid with twisted brass wire. Replica inspection and armory markings are stamped onto the guard. The scabbard is crafted from leather and finished with a brass chape and locket.
The Napoleonic Gendarmes d’ite de la Garde impiale (Elite Gendarmes of the Imperial Guard) were essentially an elite military police who were tasked with protecting official residences, offices and escorting important political figures in peacetime. In war they provided the guard for the Imperial headquarters, escorted prisoners, and sometimes dealt the heavy hand in quelling disorder in conquered cities.
This military police force was known colloquially as The Immortals due to their relatively low casualty rates because they were not a front-line military unit. However, on more than a few occasions they were called into action and fought with distinction in many of the iconic battles of the Napoleonic era. They fought at Borodino and notably, at Berezina, the Gendarmes d Elite covered the French retreat.
A colorful engagement in the Russian campaign saw the Gendarmes d Elite fight off a force of ambushing Cossacks whilst escorting a dishonored French general to prison.
Like many other elite infantry forces of the French Empire, they were equipped with short Briquet sabers. Like most of these sword types of the time, they were more of a status symbol for the bearer as most greatly preferred the long reach of the bayonet in lieu of short sword when in action.
Dave K. –
I ordered it, but this is not a Gendarmerie blade!!! The Elite Gendarmarie of the Royal Household and the 1st Empire was always outfitted as HEAVY CAVALRY! They always wore a long sword of 90 to 95 cm. The Napoleonic version with this hilt attached the long hollow ground blade used by the Carabiniers until 1806 and the Curassiers until 1802. The Imperial Gd Gendarmes also abandoned the hollow ground blade in 1806 and wore the Heavy Cav sabre of the guards.
I’m curious about the new steel and and better tapers coming in these swords. The screwed up history is a puzzle.
Dave K. –
Addendum to my previous. There were actually 2 Foot Gendarme companies in the Guards 1800-1806. Illustrations show them armed with standard Guards Infantry briquets. The hilt attached to this briquet is incorrect. This hilt should be on the 1800-1810 Mounted Gendarmes sword, with hollow ground blade. In 1810 the Gendarmes, now a 4 squadron regiment was authorized the heavy cavalry sabre, also used by the Mounted Grenadiers and the Empresses Dragoons.
Mike (verified owner) –
I don’t know about what this Dave guy is saying, but: I ordered this sword, and it’s super nice. It is sturdy, sharp, and a bit of a thicc boi. Unfortunately, it does not have the etching detail like the one in the photo – a detail I was interested in and influenced my purchase decision. Caveat emptor.
Newarcher (verified owner) –
Thick solid heavy robust, just the way a short sword should be, at least i think so. For a sword under $200 it is a well made quality sword.the grip is a perfect fit for me and is comfortable, the blade is spring tempered, stiff but will flex. I had Koa sharpen it and they did a great job, the scabbard was done very nicely, saber fits perfectly nice and snug. This sword meets and exceeds all my persoonal sword requirements very well pleased.