'Briquet' Champagne Saber in a Gift Box

'Briquet' Champagne Saber in a Gift Box

Napoleonic Elegance in a Compact Design

Although this saber is significantly shorter than its historical predecessor, its design and characteristic features have been reproduced with the utmost fidelity.

• The Blade: The gently curved, unsharpened blade with a thick spine is made from easy-to-maintain stainless steel, which is durable and resistant to tarnish.
• The Hilt: The hilt is crafted from aluminum and features the typical stirrup-guard (a D-shaped basket hilt) that flows into the pommel, protecting the entire hand.
• The Presentation Case: Included in the delivery is a stylish wooden case, lined inside and out with dark blue velvet. It keeps the saber safe during storage and transport while also serving as an elegant display box.

How to Use This Saber

This short saber is designed primarily as an exclusive and stylish object. Its ideal uses are as a:

• Decorative and Collector's Item: Perfect for display in a study, home bar, or office. Its historical design and luxurious packaging make it a great conversation piece.
• An Original Gift: Thanks to the elegant case, it is an unforgettable gift for lovers of history, Napoleon, or anyone who appreciates unusual and stylish accessories.
• A Prop for Stage and Screen: It serves perfectly in theatre, film, or as part of a Napoleonic-era costume where a full-length saber would be too cumbersome.

Important Notice Regarding Sabrage

Although the product's name refers to opening champagne, it must be emphasized that this saber is neither designed nor tested for the practical performance of sabrage (the act of opening a bottle with a saber). Using it to strike a bottle neck is strongly discouraged, as it could lead to damage to the saber or to personal injury. For practical sabrage, we recommend using one of the purpose-built sabers available in our store.

A Glimpse into History: The 'Briquet' Saber and the Art of Sabrage

The infantry saber that served as the model for this piece earned the nickname 'Briquet' (French for 'fire-starter' or 'lighter'). The reason was its smaller size and supposed resemblance to the fire-starting tools used by troops of the era. What began as a mocking term eventually became the official name. During the Napoleonic Wars, it served not only as an effective close-quarters weapon but also as a practical tool for clearing undergrowth.

The tradition of opening champagne bottles with a saber, known as sabrage, is attributed to Napoleon's officers. It is said they celebrated their victories, or consoled their defeats, in this grand manner. This dramatic ritual is still practiced on festive occasions today.

Interesting Fact: Napoleon and Champagne

A famous quote attributed to Napoleon I perfectly captures his relationship with the celebratory drink: "I drink Champagne when I win, to celebrate... and I drink Champagne when I lose, to console myself."

Care and Safety

Thanks to the use of stainless steel and aluminum, caring for this saber is very simple. Just keep it clean and dry, and wipe it with a soft cloth to maintain its shine. The wooden case protects it from dust and damage. Although this is a decorative item with a blunt blade, it still has a sharp point, so please handle it with care and keep it out of the reach of children.

Technical Specifications

• Material: Stainless steel blade, aluminum hilt
• Overall Length: approx. 42.5 cm / 16.7 in.
• Blade Length: approx. 29.3 cm / 11.5 in.
• Blade Thickness: approx. 5 mm (Edge approx. 2 mm)
• Hilt Length: approx. 13.2 cm / 5.2 in.
• Max. Blade Width: approx. 4 cm / 1.6 in.
• Weight: approx. 630 g / 1.4 lbs
• Included: Wooden presentation case (Dimensions approx. 19 x 17 x 4 cm / 7.5 x 6.7 x 1.6 in.)
• Total Weight (with case): approx. 1280 g / 2.8 lbs