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Boer War British Royal Horse Guards Trooper's Sabre (Sold)

Victorian 1892 Pattern British Household Cavalry Trooper’s Sword with period inscription to scabbard that it was taken from a fallen (killed) soldier during the Boer War.

Boer War Royal Horse Guards Trooper's SabreBoer War RHG Sword  Battle Bloemfontein

Sold Item Notice

This RHG trooper's sabre was taken from the fallen (killed) soldier who carried it at Satenaus AKA Sanna's Post near Bloemfontein, the site of a bloody Boer War battle which resulted in substantial British losses yet with a Boer defeat. The Battle of Bloemfontein is testament to how a British senior officer arriving to take command of a battle which was being fought well and wisely by the younger acting commanding officer (using artillery to slowly erode the entrapped Boers), threw his forces time and time again in suicidal attacks against the then kings of guerilla warfare. You can read about the Battle of Bloemfontein with references to Sanna's Post by Conan-Doyle here.

Boer War Cavalry Sword

At the bottom of this page you will find a photo of the worn yet still visible period inscription on the scabbard "Taken from dead cavalry soldier at Satenaus Post, Near Bloemfontein OFS 31st March 1900, Boer War 1899-1900". The 34 inch blade having been sharpened for battlefield use is in good order as it likely never found a target Boer soldier to damage itself upon. Maker marked to Mole, the sword has a number of test marks.

RHG Markings

In overall very good order, a few dents to the scabbard, a little rust patination here and there, the fishskin grip a little worn, all as you would expect. Marked with the original commissioning date (May 1894) and the trooper's number of 44 (it may be possible to ascertain the name of this killed in action household cavalry trooper), the sword went back to Britain without its holder. Evocative pieces with 100% provenance like this are exceptionally rare and this is a definite candidate for a museum piece. Further / full sized photos available upon request. Item reference number 205.

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Battle Bloemfontein Boer War

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