French Cuirassier Saber – Universal Swords

Known as the Iron Men by the Russians, the French Cuirassiers were the cavalier knights of Napoleons Grande Arm. They were well-armored with thick breastplates and helmets. Though armed to the hilt with an assortment of carbines and pistols their trademark weapon was the straight-bladed sword akin to the knights of old. They frowned upon firearms as the weapon of infantry and greatly favored a cavalry charge of steel. The timely charge of the Cuirassiers could sway the tide of battle. The largest men and horses were picked to be Cuirassiers, and it is only fitting that their sword should be equally robust. The Cuirassier sword is weighty and double-fullered, ideal for a charging thrust or heavy slash from on high.

This replica, by Universal Sword of India, is made with a tempered high carbon steel blade. The hilt is of brass with a copper wire wrapped grip of hardened brown leather. The scabbard is of steel. The sword features markings that exist on surviving examples such as the signature of Klingenthal, the state run sword manufactory in east France.

A single French Cuirassier sword was famously wielded in the American Civil War in a charge on an artillery position by Confederate Lt. Col. Frederick Skinner in the Battle of Manassas. He had brought the sword back from Europe in his youth and one staff officer writing about the Col. Remarked that In his cups the fine old Colonel would swear he should die happy, could he have one chance to use that steel on the enemy. Skinner took his chance at Manassas, and spurred his horse on ahead of his regiment to fight an artillery regiment single-handedly. He killed one gunner in the charge with his sword, and so thoroughly distracted the gunners that the rest of the 1st Virginia could close to finish the fight.