Original Item. One-of-a-Kind. This is a truly phenomenal example of a French Cuirassier Dragoon Saber which was captured during the war by a German “Kuirassier” of the 7th (Magdeburg) Cuirassiers "von Seydlitz", who then scrubbed the French markings and added German Kuirassier unit markings on both the saber guard and the scabbard throat! This is particularly notable as the 7th Cuirassiers took part in what would become known as “Von Bredow’s Death Ride”. This battle-worn example will become a centerpiece in any Franco-Prussian War collection!

Both the top of the guard and the throat of the scabbard have been stamped:

7. K. 4. 15

This would be read as 7th Kuirassiers, 4th Squadron, 15th Weapon. During this period, the regiment was specifically named “Magdeburgisches Kürassier-Regiment Nr. 7”. They along with the 17th Uhlans conducted the famous charge at the Battle of Mars La Tour known as Von Bredow's Death Ride in 1870. In terms of celebrated actions, this would be the Prussian version of  the Charge of the Light Brigade (but in typically Prussian v British fashion, it was a calculated risk as opposed to a magnificent blunder).

“Noting that "it will cost what it will", Bredow took care to organize the brigade, consisting of the 7th Cuirassiers, 13th Dragoons and 16th Uhlans. The 13th Dragoons did not participate in the charge, having been detached earlier in the battle. In what would become known as "Von Bredow's Death Ride", the cavalrymen rode out from Prussian lines at 1400, Bredow using the depression north of Vionville and gun smoke to mask movements from French observers until the very last moment. Erupting into view some 1,000 meters from the French lines, the Prussian cavalry charged in line into and through two French gun lines, killing French gunners and scattering Canrobert's soldiers in all directions. Two brigades of Forton's French cavalry division, some 3,100 men, attempted to counter-charge into Bredow's flank and rear but were partially dispersed by Canrobert's infantry, who shot down any cavalry they could see without discrimination. Bredow's brigade managed to extricate itself and withdrew to its own lines by 1500. The French cavalry did not pursue. Of the 800 horsemen who had started out, only 420 returned.”

The captured French saber sports a 36 ⅜” steel blade with double fullers on each side. Some of the original leather blade buffer is still retained. The spine originally bore an engraved arsenal marking and date, but the German Kuirassier scrubbed most of what was there, leaving scratches in its place. The blade is still sharp and shows some sharpening near the tip. There is surface oxidation which we have left in place to preserve the patina. 

The brass hilt is now extremely dark from battle wear and age. The side of the guard is stamped with a serial number, 11574, that was stamped out by the German. The same serial number is on the suspension ring mount of the scabbard, but not stamped out. The wire-wrapped leather grip shows very heavy wear with minor loss of material but it is rather stable. The saber measures 43” overall.

The 37 ¼” scabbard is still mostly straight with some surface oxidation, mostly near the drag. There is minor denting but the suspension ring is still well-retained. As mentioned, the top of the throat is stamped with the same German unit marking as on the top of the guard, 7. K. 4. 15.

This is an outstanding battle-captured example of an already very rare saber, with a connection to the infamous “Death Ride”. This French saber is one of the best we will ever have the pleasure of offering! Ready to become the centerpiece of any Franco-Prussian War Collection.

Specifications:
Blade Length: 36 3/8”
Overall length: 43“
Scabbard Length: 37 1/4"