Reward Saber From The 19th Line Demi-brigade, Directoire Period

A fine official example of a national award sabre absolutely intended for the troops, designed by Nicolas-Noël BOUTET.

Gilded brass guard with a branch with molded columns at a sharp angle, cap with a short tail, oval pommel derived from the German pommel with a concave upper part bearing a ring used to attach the dragonne;
quillon ending in the shape of a faceted cut button, half-eared crosspiece in the shape of a shield, engraved in hollow, on the front:
"THE MINISTER OF WAR to the 3rd Company of the 19th 1/2 Brigade",
(THE MINISTER OF WAR to the 3rd Company of the 19th 1/2 Brigade)
stamped on the other side:
"MANUFACTURE A VERSAILLES"
Mark of "BOUTET" of the award and honor weapons with the "AB" and "LD" punches.
Wooden handle covered with shagreen filigree with a double braided copper wire.
Slightly curved blade with a round back with a hollow side (remains of gilding).
Leather scabbard with two gilded fittings, chape with a cup and button with scalloped cutout.
Directoire period.

NOTES
These sabers were given, on the orders of the Minister of War Barthélemy Louis Joseph Schérer, at the request of General Charles Henri de Belgrand Count of Vaubois, to the soldiers of the 3rd company of the 19th 1/2 line brigade, on April 1, 1798, following the events in Corsica and mainly the siege of Fort Corte which lasted 45 days, from 12 Nivôse (January 1, 1798) to 26 Pluviôse Year VI (February 14, 1798), where these soldiers refused to capitulate, despite significant losses.
Official document of the Grand Chancellery of the Legion of Honor (on request)
proving that this saber was offered for distinguished conduct in the affair against the rebels of Corsica in 1798.
----------------------------
From the said official document of 4 Ventose year XII of the Grand Chancellery of the Legion of Honor the following is extracted:
State of the Military who obtained weapons of honor before 4 Nivose year 8
…saber of honor for distinguished conduct against the Rebels of Corsica. Minister Scherer had made One hundred sabers for the brave men of the 19th who had covered themselves with glory in this affair.
Only nineteen were distributed, 81 soldiers having died from their injuries...