Dear Sir,

I have just finished reading “Sharpe’s Sword,” which is my favorite of the series, so far at least.  You created a fascinating level of intrigue in this work.  My question pertains to the Klingenthal sword, specifically, the value of such a weapon.  I have done some cursory research and have found a Napoleonic Era Cuirassiers Sword  on sale on line for about 3000 pounds.  According to Major Hogan, the price of a majority at the time was 2600 pounds.  Of course, in Sharpe’s time 3000 pounds would be worth far less, through inflation, than the price of a majority, but it would have had some value, enough to contribute significantly toward the purchase of a majority, perhaps.  Have you any notion of its value in 1812?

Best Wishes.

Keith Biesiada