General Officer’s ‘Sabre d’Allemande’, c.1800.    A stunning artifact, the d'Allemand (or German style) sabre is one of the rarest types of French Calvary armes blanche. These sabres were generally made in Metz (near the German border) and this particular example, with 32 1/2 inch curved blade (36 1/2 inches from hilt pommel to point) is rich with blueing and gilt engravings that include mounted cavalry Officers, crossed cannons, triple mini fullers and a single broad fuller along 15 1/2 inches of the centre section of the blade. The D shaped guard has a broad oval shaped pommel decorated with a helmet and other military devices.  The blade is about flawless and blue and gilt decorations are near 99% present.  

 

The heavy gilt scabbard has a single black leather panel, and is shaped with parallel ridges along its length, decorated with symbols that link it directly to the Consulate Period: Greek Fasces and the Phrygian bonnet.  The sabre knot, sabre belt and hangars are all original and in superb condition, the gilt buckles and embroidery in excellent condition, lifting the ensemble to a level of rarity seldom seen at auction. It is quite possible that this sabre was used by the Commander of Les Guarde des Consuls, responsible for guarding Napoleon and the predecessors of the Chasseurs de la Garde Imperiale, which this unit became after Napoleon was crowned Emperor.