Quote:
Originally Posted by kronckew
So...What IS a briquet? What ISN'T? Definition please! 
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These munitions grade hanger/swords were basically infantry/grenadiers weapons in France which were made with cast brass hilts and were well known prior to Napoleonic period and after.
Apparently the term 'briquet' was derisively applied by cavalrymen toward the shorter infantry weapons being compared to the sticks (lighters) called briquets used to start campfires.
It seems these were copied throughout Europe by their infantry units mostly but they seem to have been used in rank and file options as required.
These seem invariably to be the solid cast, ribbed grip brass hilts on varying form short blades.