Established in 1799 by Napoleon following his seizure of power in France and establishment of the ruling Consulate, the Saber of Honor was one of the Weapons of Honor in a series of awards for distinguished service. Though chiefly intended for French nationals, particularly military officers and enlisted men, such awards could be issued to foreigners, including a posthumous issue to President George Washington. The Weapons of Honor bear inscriptions from the First Consul, the title under which Napoleon ruled France until 1805, when the First Republic gave way to the First French Empire. Measuring 40 inches overall, the saber shows a cutting sword design, with a 34 3/4 inch blade marked "M=F un De Klingenthal Coulau freres Entep=n" on the flat spine. Hilt is silver construction, with a pair of small hallmarks and "B.Y" stamped on the underside of the upturned clamshell pattern quillon, a pair of 1 1/2 inch shield languets, a scroll accent connecting the knuckleguard to the round pommel, and a wire wrapped leather grip. With an iron scabbard, fitted with a pair of silver suspension bands, and inscribed between the top band and the throat on either side. Much of the inscription is faded, but the left side bears an inscription from "Le 1st Consul" (Napoleon) to a member of the "CHASur a Cheval", the designation of the Horse Chasseurs of the Imperial Guard, and the right marked "a Versailles". The Imperial Guard, aka The Old Guard, was built around cadres of men who had served with Napoleon before his rise to power, with the Chasseurs having formally been Napoleon's guides and scouts during the Italian and Egyptian Campaigns, with many of the Chasseurs having participated directly in the action against the French Directorate which led to the establishment of the Consulate. The Chasseurs were active participants in the Napoleonic Wars, serving as the Emperor's field bodyguard and shock troops, with several volunteering to join him in his first exile. Though disbanded following the victory of the 6th Coalition, the Old Guard reformed following Napoleon's escape from Elba, and was among the last units to fall to the 7th Coalition onslaught at Waterloo.

Good. The blade shows mild dark spotting, along with evidence of sharpening towards the tip and a few dings on the edge. A fine aged patina is showing on the hilt, with some denting of the pommel, mild wear on the leather, and a small amount of play overall. Scabbard is good, with a mixed dark patina and mild dents on the steel, and a fine aged color to the silver. The overall condition of the arm suggests a well maintained combat arm, which is in-line with it being issued to a member of the hard-fighting Old Guard.