1803 pattern. Brass hilt with stirrup form guard and reversed elongated tear shaped langets. Wire wrapped black leather covered grip. 32 5/8” broad and narrow fullered curved s.e. blade, crisp with smooth mottled patina. Blade forte and cross guard both with ordnance mark and K for the Kligenthal arsenal. Hilt excellent with fine original gold overlay. The Imperial Guard comprised units from the several branches of service and used by Napoleon as special forces for the most difficult military assignments during the Napoleonic Wars, often held in reserve until circumstances demanded.
