french sword of napoleons old guard ??

fernando · 29th March 2012, 06:34 PM

Hi Michael,
Why do you think the motto Honneur et Patrie replaced the Eagle and Imperial Garde engravings?
Perhaps the motto is a remnant (not a replacement) from the origin engraving, as it was the motto of the Legion d'Honneur, established by Napoleon as the French highest condecoration.
Your sword would indeed be a Sabre d'Honneur, with which Napoleon presented 145 officers of La Garde.
There would be three different models, to distinguish the rank of the officer presented.
Apparently this insignia was altered in 1814, with the removal of the eagle and, in the case of condecorations, the face of Napolen was replaced by that of Bourbon King Henry IV, whom could also be the guy on the cross hilt of your sword.
Hope this helps ... and expect it is reliable

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29th March 2012, 06:34 PM	#2
fernando (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,694	Hi Michael, Why do you think the motto Honneur et Patrie replaced the Eagle and Imperial Garde engravings? Perhaps the motto is a remnant (not a replacement) from the origin engraving, as it was the motto of the Legion d'Honneur, established by Napoleon as the French highest condecoration. Your sword would indeed be a Sabre d'Honneur, with which Napoleon presented 145 officers of La Garde. There would be three different models, to distinguish the rank of the officer presented. Apparently this insignia was altered in 1814, with the removal of the eagle and, in the case of condecorations, the face of Napolen was replaced by that of Bourbon King Henry IV, whom could also be the guy on the cross hilt of your sword. Hope this helps ... and expect it is reliable