Rare Drum Major's Sabre Of The Fusiliers Chasseurs Of The Imperial Guard, 1st Empire

This 1st Empire Napoleonic drum major saber is quite exceptional. Indeed, while drum major sabers of the 1822 model and those that succeeded it, up to the Second Empire, are already rare, models dating from the 1st Empire are even much rarer. They were not subject to any regulations, the decoration being left to the initiative of the colonel who commanded the regiment. The scabbard suspension system, which has two antennas, and the chiseled decoration of the scabbard confirm the identification as a drum major saber.
BLADE : Unlike the majority of blades which fit these sabers, the blade has a blue and gold decoration on the first third, in perfect condition. 
This is aflat-backed blade, certainly from Solingen, it has a wide hollow side on each side, and a counter-edge on the last 24 cm near the tip. The blade has a blue and gold decoration on each side on the first third, with a classic representation of trophies of arms and floral motifs. Blade length = 80 cm, width at the heel = 3 cm, thickness at the heel = 7.6 mm
GUARD : this is the so-called "Marengo" guard which, like the rest of the hilt, is based on the model of Boutet's reward sabers. Long, inverted, curved quillons ending in fantastic animal heads. Large almond-shaped ears, center of the crossguard decorated with a trophy of arms with an antique helmet, flag, trumpet, etc.
A double chain connects the guard to the cap.
CAP : In a finely chiseled lion's head, decorated with scales and a spider's web symbolizing the general staff.
GRIP : covered with leather with twisted copper filigree.
SCABBARD : it is made of richly chiseled brass, with a central decoration representing a drum on two crossed drum major's canes, topped with a shako and decorated below with two horns. This representation of the horns most likely evokes an attribution to e Regiment of Infantry Chasseurs, and considering the representation of a shako, the Fusiliers Chasseurs of the Imperial Guard, who wore the shako instead of the "bonnet d'ourson" of the Chasseurs à pied from the Vieille Garde. The rest of the decoration is made up of interlaced plant motifs. The scabbard ends with a symmetrical brass dart.
This saber is a rarity, it will figure prominently in a collection of weapons related to the imperial epic.
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Ref AMC 25/2-04