Compact, sturdy, and unmistakable with its ribbed brass hilt, the French sabre-briquet armed generations of infantry and artillery in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. Standardised under the Revolutionary and Napoleonic regimes, it offered a reliable sidearm for close quarters, camp chores, and battlefield finishing strokes. The weapon’s nickname, “briquet”, likely played on its small size and the French word for a fire lighter.
Specifications (AN IX or AN XI patterns)
Aspect
Detail
Overall length
72–74 cm
Blade length
59–60 cm, single edged, hatchet point
Blade width
About 34 mm
Weight
0.8–0.9 kg
Hilt
One-piece cast brass with ribbed grip and knuckle bow
Scabbard
Black leather with brass throat and chape
History and Evolution
1767: French infantry adopts a shorter hanger that sets the stage for the briquet.
1790s: Revolutionary standardisation drives mass production of short sabres.
AN IX and AN XI models: Year-numbered reforms (1800–1803) refine dimensions and markings. Klingenthal and other state factories mass-produce them.
1805–1815: Ubiquitous across the Grande Armée, including Guard variants.
After 1815: Continued in use during the Restoration and July Monarchy. By 1831 replaced by the straight Model 1831 infantry short sword, nicknamed the “cabbage chopper”.
Beyond France: Briquet-style swords appear in Dutch, Spanish, and other arsenals.
Use in the Field
The briquet was a last-resort fighting weapon, a tool for cutting brush and fascines, and a badge of rank within infantry ranks. Its compact size made it practical on campaign, though cavalrymen sometimes mocked its short reach.
Advantages
Simple, durable construction for field use
Manageable length for sieges, camp duties, and close terrain
Brass hilt resistant to corrosion with a secure ribbed grip
Mass production ensured availability and consistency
Disadvantages
Limited reach compared with cavalry sabres and bayonets
Hatchet-point blade favoured chopping over thrusting
Less cutting power against heavy clothing or armour
Comparison with Similar Weapons
Weapon
Era and Role
Strengths vs Briquet
Weaknesses vs Briquet
French Model 1831 Infantry Short Sword
Post-1831 infantry sidearm
Strong thrust, robust point, compact
Heavier, less effective at slashing
Prussian Faschinenmesser
Infantry and pioneer tool-sword
Excellent for utility and fascine work
Often cruder finish, varied handling
Dutch Briquet (Model no. 2)
19th-century infantry
Near-identical role and form
Same limitations as French type
Legacy
The briquet became one of the defining sidearms of the Napoleonic infantryman. Its silhouette, prolific markings, and link to the Grande Armée give it strong recognition in military history. It influenced later short sword designs and remains popular with collectors and reenactors.
Where to See One
Malta Maritime Museum, Valletta
National Museum in Wrocław, Poland
National Museum of American History, Washington DC
Musée de l’Armée, Paris
Collector’s Guide
Identification and Markings
Spine inscriptions such as “Manufacture Royale du Klingenthal” often with date
Inspector stamps including Lobstein “L”, Bick “B”, or Krantz star-K
Brass hilts with ribbed grips and black leather scabbards with brass mounts
Condition Checklist
Blade integrity with intact hatchet point
Tight brass hilt with honest patina
Original scabbard leather and stitching preferred
Coherent blade and hilt markings for authenticity
Current Market and Prices
Entry level: Damaged or incomplete briquets can sell for £60–£200
Typical examples: Serviceable pieces usually range from £250–£500
Very good condition: Clear markings and complete scabbards may fetch £450–£800
Premium: Guard, presentation, or rare variants can exceed £1,000
Care and Conservation
Preserve patina on the brass, avoid heavy polishing
Light oil on blade to prevent rust
Store in dry conditions; avoid long-term storage in leather scabbards
Quick Reference Table
Topic
Snapshot
Service life
1767 origins, standardised AN IX–AN XI, replaced 1831
Users
French infantry, grenadiers, artillery; later adopted abroad
Typical blade
59–60 cm curved, hatchet point
Hallmarks
Klingenthal inscriptions and inspector stamps
Successor
French Model 1831 infantry short sword
Collector appeal
High availability, Napoleonic link, variety of markings
French Briquet Inspection Stamps Guide
Inspector
Mark
Years of Service
Notes
Jean Georges Lobstein
L in script or block
1804–1821
One of the most common inspection marks, often on blades made at Klingenthal.
Jean Jacques Bick
B
1809–1824
Found on many Napoleonic-era swords, typically small neat stamp.
François Krantz
Star over K
1810–1824
Distinctive star over initial, valued by collectors for easy identification.
Jean Jacques Kraemer
K or variations
c. 1800–1815
Worked during the Empire period, sometimes confused with Krantz.
Etienne Bisch
B with flourish
1817–1830
Seen on later Restoration-era briquets.
Guillaume Bisch (younger)
B
1830–1840s
Successor to earlier inspectors, appears on post-Napoleonic swords.
François Marie Calmes
C
Early 1800s
Less frequent, but genuine on some AN IX models.
Other minor inspectors
Letters such as M, P, or combinations
Various
These appear less often; usually linked to shorter tenures.
How to Read the Stamps
Location: Usually stamped on the blade ricasso (base near guard) or spine.
Style: Napoleonic inspectors tended to use simple serif or block letters, occasionally with flourishes.
Multiple stamps: It was common for a blade to have more than one mark as it passed through different inspection stages.
Manufacturer inscriptions: Alongside inspector marks, blades often carry spine engravings such as “Manufacture Nationale du Klingenthal” with month and year.
Collector Tips
Cross-check inspector initials with known service dates to help verify production period.
Be wary of blades where stamps look too sharp or freshly struck compared to surrounding patina.
Remember that mismatched blades and hilts exist due to later refits; coherent stamps and inscriptions usually add to value.
