Infantry cleaver, so-called briquet, France, early 19th century.

length of cleaver in scabbard 778 mm, length of cleaver 722 mm, length of head 585 mm, width of head in scabbard 36 mm, thickness of back at base 17 mm, weight of cleaver 940 g, weight of cleaver in scabbard 1135 g

Closed hilt, entirely cast in brass. The yoke is sigmoidal. The shaft transversely notched. Minted receiving and manufacturer's "Versailles" punches on the hilt and breech. Steel butt, of moderate curvature, with wedge-shaped cross-section. Flat amphibians, without a feather, the hilt in line with the ridge. P o c h w a s made of wooden shells, covered with black leather. Brass fittings, neck with catch hook and viscera.
Provenance: Fischer auction house, Switzerland 2005, item 209.
state of preservation: 4/3/4