During the Napoleonic Wars (1803–1815), various swords were used by military units, including cavalry, infantry, and naval forces. These weapons were designed for cutting, thrusting, or a combination of both, depending on the soldier’s role. Below is a categorised list of Napoleonic-era swords:
French AN XI Light Cavalry Sabre
1. Cavalry Swords
Cavalry swords were divided into light cavalry (prioritising speed and agility) and heavy cavalry (designed for shock charges).
Heavy Cavalry Swords
- British 1796 Heavy Cavalry Sword – A straight, single-edged, broad-bladed sword for powerful thrusts and cuts. Used at Waterloo (1815).
- French AN XI Heavy Cavalry Sword – A straight-bladed weapon wielded by cuirassiers during devastating charges.
- Austrian 1769 & 1798 Heavy Cavalry Pallasch – A long, straight thrusting sword influenced by earlier Germanic designs.
Light Cavalry Swords
- British 1796 Light Cavalry Sabre – A curved slashing sabre favoured by hussars and light dragoons, inspired by Hungarian designs.
- French AN IV & AN XI Light Cavalry Sabres – Curved sabres used by chasseurs à cheval and hussars for swift skirmishes.
- Prussian 1811 Blücher Sabre – A copy of the British 1796 sabre, widely adopted by Prussian cavalry.
British 1796 Infantry Officer’s Sword
2. Infantry Swords
Infantry swords were shorter and typically reserved for officers or specialist troops.
- British 1796 Infantry Officer’s Sword – A straight, slender thrusting sword for officers.
- French Briquet Sabre (AN IX & AN XI) – A short, heavy-bladed sword carried by grenadiers and voltigeurs for close combat.
- Austrian M1798 Infantry Officer’s Sword – A straight-bladed thrusting weapon for Austrian officers.
- Prussian 1808 Infantry Officer’s Sword – A spadroon-like sword used by Prussian officers.
1804 Naval Cutlass
3. Naval Swords
Naval swords were adapted for boarding actions and ship defence.
- British 1804 Royal Navy Cutlass – A short, curved blade ideal for close-quarters combat.
- French Naval Cutlass (Sabre de Bord AN XI) – Similar to the British cutlass, used for boarding enemy vessels.
- Spanish M1802 Naval Cutlass – A heavy-duty weapon deployed by the Spanish Navy against British and French ships.
French artillery Sabre (1800)
4. Artillery and Engineer Swords
Sturdy swords for specialist troops like artillerymen and engineers.
- British 1803 Flank Officer’s Sword – A curved cavalry-style sword for light infantry and artillery officers.
- French AN XI Artillery Sabre – A short, curved sword for French artillery crews.
- Prussian M1811 Artillery Sword – A straight-bladed weapon modelled on the British 1796 infantry sword.
5. Specialised and Officer Swords
Ornate yet functional swords reflecting rank and battlefield roles.
- British 1803 Infantry Officer’s Sabre – A curved sabre popular with light company and Rifle officers.
- French Empire Guard Officer’s Sword – A decorative sword with gold embellishments, carried by Napoleon’s Imperial Guard.
- Spanish M1806 Officer’s Sword – A thrusting sword used by Spanish officers during the Peninsular War (1808–1814).
Conclusion
Napoleonic-era swords were highly specialised, tailored to cavalry charges, infantry discipline, or naval skirmishes. From the heavy cavalry’s devastating broadswords to the ornate blades of officers, these weapons symbolise both martial prowess and historical craftsmanship. Today, they remain prized by collectors and historians alike.
