# 1808\-1813 Napoleonic Portuguese Legion Sword

Status: Sold · Region: Europe · Type: Swords

A gorgeous and large 1808-1813 Peninsular War period Portuguese Legion Napoleonic Officers sword. This example is very large with a very fine NATURAL handle with checked scales and silver insets. The crossguard, fittings, and the scabbard are SOLID SILVER and in gorgeous condition with no scuffs or losses. The only issue is that the silver strip of silver going the length of the handle scales may have been fixed. Otherwise everything is original to the sword. Please see the silver hallmarks at the chape of the scabbard. the silver hallmarks stand for L (for Lisboa [Lisbon]) and the maker TIS. The blade is very fine with blue and gold panels and white frosted etched panels throughout the blade. The blade has some darkening throughout but can be cleaned by the buyer. These swords were carried by the select few general officers of the Portuguese Legion raised by Napoleon in 1807. They were loyal soldiers in his campaigns in the East and served admirably in the Battle of Wagram, at Smolensk, Vitebsk and at the Battle Of Moscow. Their ranks were decimated by the winter cold and brutal counter attacks of the Imperial Russian troops and they were disbanded in 1813. Thus this sword can almost be dated precisely to the years 1808-1813. This sword is emblematic of that period and truly is a one of a kind addition for the Napoleonic collector. Reference: (Faria e Silva Regalado, Armamento Ligeiro da Guerra Peninsular 1808-1814, pg 80-82) A truly excellent Napoleonic period sword. Overall length - 37