French 1st Empire Guard Infantry Sword

Original era manufacture. We are getting down to the last few swords to put on our site from the large collection we purchased several years ago. This old soldier certainly has seen better days, but if he is truly what he was represented to be, a certain charm remains. 34.5 inch curved steel blade which shows heavy corrosion and pitting. Fragments of letters may be seen on the spine.The blade still has temper so the sword is not dead. Simple, single bow, brass guard and backstrap with a dark wood grip. Likely the grip was covered in leather at one point but no trace remains.