French Napoleonic 1801 Cuirassier Sword

The French Model 1801 Cuirassier’s Sword was the weapon of choice for Napoleon’s heavy cavalry—troops who, despite the rise of firearms, still rode into battle clad in steel cuirasses and ornate helmets. Their imposing appearance, complete with plumes and horse-tail crests, struck fear into enemy ranks as they thundered forward in tightly packed squadrons. This reproduction captures the same presence and battlefield authority that made the Cuirassiers a legendary force of the Napoleonic Wars.

Heavy Cavalry and the Thrust

Unlike the curved sabers of light cavalry, the Cuirassier’s sword was built for thrusting. With a long, straight blade designed to function almost like a lance, it gave French heavy horsemen the power to pierce enemy lines in devastating charges. Surviving British accounts describe the terror of facing armored cavalry units armed with these massive swords, their sheer momentum breaking infantry formations and leaving a lasting mark on Napoleonic battlefields.

Details of the Reproduction

This faithful replica weighs just over 3 lbs, replicating the substantial heft of the original design. The blade is over 1/4” thick at the hilt, distally tapered, and double-fullered for strength and rigidity. The grip is leather-wrapped with a twisted wire binding for secure handling, while the brass guard and pommel provide both balance and period-correct styling. A steel scabbard completes the set. Fully sharpened from the factory, this Cuirassier’s sword is as commanding as the cavalrymen who once carried it into battle.