French Imperial Guard Chasseurs à Cheval officer’s sabre

1805–1814. Hilt: Fire-gilded cast brass guard, leather grip with twisted brass wire. Guard decorated with Minerva, pommel ending in a lion’s head.
Scabbard: Fire-gilded bronze with diamond-shaped cartouche bearing imperial eagle. Two suspension rings with richly decorated mounts and web-like engraved motifs. Steel chape.
Blade: Steel, first third engraved with weapon trophies, imperial eagle and foliage. Spine inscription: “Chasseur à cheval de la garde impériale”.
Size: Overall length: 105 cm Blade length: 86 cm Blade width at ricasso: 3,2 cm
Literature: The Imperial Guard Chasseurs à Cheval (1804–1815) were an elite light cavalry unit and Napoleon’s personal escort, distinguished in numerous battles (Austerlitz, Eylau, Wagram, 1814 campaign, Waterloo). Such officer’s sabres are extremely rare.