Recommended books on Napoleonic-era infantry sabers?

Tuthmose · 22nd December 2021, 06:11 PM

Greetings all,

For some reason antithetical to my bank account, I find myself lately drawn to Napoleonic era infantry swords; I particularly like the look and what I hear about the handling of French model 1845 and 45/55 blades.

Knowing how many fakes are out and about, and how dodgy the market can be – and having a limited budget – what reasonably-affordable/acquirable books do you suggest I procure to begin acquiring a decent education on the subject? French and British seem to call me the most, but I know how little I know about the subject, so no need to exclude similar blades from Germany/Austria/Belgium/etc. My searches have found several seemingly good tomes, but rather than waste money willy-nilly on everything I can find, I figured that asking the experts was a prudent course of action. Where should I begin?

Thank you in advance for your time and assistance!

corrado26 · 22nd December 2021, 07:18 PM

Im this book you'll find all the sword you are looking for. price is around € 52.-

midelburgo · 23rd December 2021, 04:10 PM

The third book by Petard, dedicated to French Infantry weapons is still available. I picked one two months ago. Soon it will not be, and its price will rocket as it happened with the first and second volumes. Although a bit expensive (about 80 euros) it can be considered an investment.

Will M · 23rd December 2021, 11:12 PM

This British sword book has virtually all British swords, on sale and well worth the investment

https://www.naval-military-press.com...vised-edition/

I have found good references have saved me from making expensive purchasing errors.

Tuthmose · 24th December 2021, 03:44 AM

Thank you all - I appreciate the pointers. I managed to find a copy of the Petard volume that wasn't hideously expensive shipped to the U.S.; I'm tracking the others down now.

The problem with the Petard work is that I'm a completionist, and now I've got a compulsion to get the whole set

Again, I appreciate the help. Happy Holidays!

mariusgmioc · 24th December 2021, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by corrado26

Im this book you'll find all the sword you are looking for. price is around € 52.-

Agreed.

But that one refers only to sabres.

It should be completed with "Les Epees" also by Jean Lhoste. They both are in French.

22nd December 2021, 06:11 PM	#1
Tuthmose Member Join Date: Dec 2021 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 13	Recommended books on Napoleonic-era infantry sabers? Greetings all, For some reason antithetical to my bank account, I find myself lately drawn to Napoleonic era infantry swords; I particularly like the look and what I hear about the handling of French model 1845 and 45/55 blades. Knowing how many fakes are out and about, and how dodgy the market can be – and having a limited budget – what reasonably-affordable/acquirable books do you suggest I procure to begin acquiring a decent education on the subject? French and British seem to call me the most, but I know how little I know about the subject, so no need to exclude similar blades from Germany/Austria/Belgium/etc. My searches have found several seemingly good tomes, but rather than waste money willy-nilly on everything I can find, I figured that asking the experts was a prudent course of action. Where should I begin? Thank you in advance for your time and assistance!

22nd December 2021, 07:18 PM	#2
corrado26 Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Black Forest, Germany Posts: 1,207	Im this book you'll find all the sword you are looking for. price is around € 52.- Attached Images

23rd December 2021, 04:10 PM	#3
midelburgo Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 257	The third book by Petard, dedicated to French Infantry weapons is still available. I picked one two months ago. Soon it will not be, and its price will rocket as it happened with the first and second volumes. Although a bit expensive (about 80 euros) it can be considered an investment. Attached Images

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23rd December 2021, 11:12 PM	#4
Will M Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: In the wee woods north of Napanee Ontario Posts: 391	This British sword book has virtually all British swords, on sale and well worth the investment https://www.naval-military-press.com...vised-edition/ I have found good references have saved me from making expensive purchasing errors.

24th December 2021, 03:44 AM	#5
Tuthmose Member Join Date: Dec 2021 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 13	Thank you all - I appreciate the pointers. I managed to find a copy of the Petard volume that wasn't hideously expensive shipped to the U.S.; I'm tracking the others down now. The problem with the Petard work is that I'm a completionist, and now I've got a compulsion to get the whole set Again, I appreciate the help. Happy Holidays!