#an ix

[victoriansword]

From the Victorian Swords photo archives...

Here is a photo of a few swords from my collection circa (2007) that have since moved on to new owners. From top to bottom;

German hunting sword, 19th century. The blade had been sharpened a lot and was plain and without any decoration or maker name. The guard was brass and featured scenes of dogs hunting deer. It was a very solid little sword and I kind of miss it.

European infantry briquet, early 19th century. This hanger was based on the French AN IX infantry briquet, but it was unmarked so I’m not sure of its origin. At the time I bought it (senior year of high school, so 1997-ish), I was VERY into the Richard Sharpe book series and I wanted a French sword of the period (yeah, I know it’s probably not French). This was the cheapest kind to acquire. The leather scabbard was super dry and brittle. I wonder if it is still in one piece.

French Mle. 1829 Light Artillery Sabre. This was not a pristine example. The blade had a very dark patina, the grip leather was frayed, and it didn’t have its steel scabbard. But it was cheap and felt great in the hand. I also miss this one.

[victoriansword]

French Vs. British cutlasses of the Napoleonic Wars 

Let's look at what the French and British equipped their sailors with during the Napoleonic Wars.

[montagnarde1793]

ARTICLE VIII. Le Pacte maritime se choisit un pavillon spécial pour être arboré conjointement avec le pavillon national par tous les bâtimens et vaisseaux de toutes les nations qui ont formé l’association générale. Ce pavillon sera une flamme au haut du grand mât, composée des couleurs de l’arc-en-ciel et dans le même ordre que les couleurs sont nuancées dans ce phénomène.

[Thomas Paine], “Pacte maritime [proposé] d’une association des nations pour la protection des droits et du commerce des nations, qui seroient neutres en tems de guerre” dans Pacte maritime, adressé aux Nations neutres, par un Neutre, Paris, Imprimerie-Librairie du Cercle social, an IX, p. 31.