2-888-445 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Sword of the Emperor Napoleon, at Windsor Castle, 1850. 'This interesting relic of the Emperor is preserved in the magnificent collection of arms in the north corridor at Windsor Castle. The hilt and guard of the sword are of or-molu, beautifully chased, the style of ornamentation being in the classic taste which arose after the first Revolution: the head of Medusa, the thunderbolts of Jupiter, figures of Neptune, &c., being amongst the enrichments. The blade is engraved for a short way below the hilt, and gilded, and a small shield-formed part is blue. The scabbard is of black leather, the chape, &c. being of or-molu. A sword similar in character to this is, we believe, in the possession of the Duke of Wellington, and it was taken at Waterloo.' From "Illustrated London News", 1850.