France, 1st Empire (1804-1814). - Lot 113

France, 1st Empire (1804-1814). Infantry saber called "briquet", AN XI model, from the Versailles factory, circa 1812. Bronze mount with 28 flutes. Single-branch hilt, hallmarked "VERSAILLES" and "B" in an oval for BOUTET, contractor for the Versailles Manufactory from 1800 to 1818, and "F" in an oval for Jean Lefebvre, reviser in 1807 then controller 2nd class in 1811, and "J" in a shield (?) on the quillon ball. Flat-backed curved blade, stained gray with traces of oxidation, marked on the back "Manufacture Impériale du Klingenthal juillet 1812". It is stamped on the heel "B" in a wreath of foliage for 1st class comptroller Jean-George BICK, "L" in a circle for 2nd class comptroller François Louis LOBSTEIN from 1804 to 1821 and "K" under a star for battalion commander Joseph KRANTZ inspector from 1812 to 1813. Black leather scabbard with two brass fittings, no visible marks or hallmarks, the cap with trigger guard. Complete. 73.3 cm (blade 59.5 cm). (The scabbard leather is damaged, the seam is open and the leather is missing, old sharpening marks on the blade tip, fairly good condition).