French Napoleonic Cuirassier Sword - 1801 Pattern

Despite the waning effectiveness of plate armor against the increasing proficiency of firearms, the French cavalry in Napoleon’s army still wore cuirasses - Medieval-style breast and back plates - with mixed success. They were mildly useful for deflecting long-range musket and pistol fire (we emphasize “mildly”), but when combined with an ornate, gorgon-headed helmet that featured plumes and horse-tail hair, the Cuirassier’s battle dress created quite an imposing figure as he charged into the fray. Surviving accounts from British opponents attest to the petrifying spectacle of compact groups of Cuirassiers emerging from behind the French front lines.