Blade engraving and complex hilt — cuirassier broadsword sold at Violity auction (Photo)

The broadsword of the cuirassier with the inscription “Zlatoust December 1832” was sold at the Violity auction a little over a week ago. The attention of users was attracted by the appearance of the blade weapon, as well as the specifics of its use by cuirassiers in the past.

In the middle of last week at the Violity auction for a cuirassier broadsword paid 50 100 UAH. This is a chopping-stabbing bladed cold weapon with a broad to the end, straight and long — 98 cm — blade and with a complex hilt, reported on the auction site.

It was noted that the broadsword had a small backlash guard on the handle and a damaged coil. According to the seller, they did not carry out the restoration of weapons. Subject was sold in the form in which it was purchased from a previous owner.

Broadsword as a cold weapon comes from a chopping sword. It combines the qualities of a sword and a saber. But, if we compare the sword with a sword, the first has developed Garda comprising a cup and a protective arch. From the sword of the sword differs heavier blade having a large width and thickness.

The specifics of using the cuirassier broadsword was the tactics of fighting cuirassiers. During the battles, the heavy cavalry relied more on blades than on blades. First tried to demoralize the enemy guns, and then crush the heavy horses. And only at this stage cold steel was used.

It was physically very difficult for Cuirassier to bend so as to get the infantryman’s saber with a chopping blow. Therefore, he needed a longer piercing blade. Broadsword allowed, sitting on a horse, to make reciprocating movements.

Cuirassier broadsword calculated on penetrating the thrust from the top down. Cuirassira, in turn, protected the cuirass — a metal wearable equipment consisting of chest and dorsal plates.

Previously reported sale at auction Violity iron-firing signal cannon. Such weapons were produced in the Russian Empire at the turn of the 18th-19th centuries for arming Cossack units. This specimen was found near Feodosia.