1796 Patt. British Heavy Cavalry Trooper's
Sword, sold |
In good overall condition, a rare 1796 Pattern British heavy cavalry
trooper's sword with crown acceptance mark to the blade. We guarantee
this sword is authentic.
Most of the markings are gone, rubbed off through "cleaning".
However, there is a feint crown over 1 acceptance mark to the blade,
which shows this sword was bought by the British Army (Board of
Ordnance) and therefore was carried by a regular cavalry trooper.
The once hatchet point has been converted to spear point; this almost
certainly means the sword was present at the 100 Days War (Battle
of Waterloo).
The 33 5/8 inch spear pointed blade is in aged and worn and over-cleaned
though sound, even good condition. The blade was period sharpened
and there are some nicks to the cutting edge which are of the type
when one blade strikes another (these are hard to fake). The tip
area has clearly seen some arduous times. The blade is firm in the
hilt. The hilt is intact (many had their guards clipped one side,
others had their langets removed), which indicates this sword was
retired after Waterloo, not passed on or converted (many were used
as cavalry practice swords, while others were cut down to be cutlasses.
This would also exp0lain the absence of a scabbard. The hilt disc
shows clear signs of rubbing against the trooper over time. The
grip appears original but with a replacement leather cover.
These are not easy swords to source as most were kept in service
long after Waterloo and used and abused until they were nothing
but metal. Although many aged reproductions abound, authentic 1796
patterns are very hard to come by in any condition. This sword is
a bargain. Please quote item reference I99 (1110). Further / full
sized images available upon request.
PS: If you buy a reproduction 1796P sword and scabbard, then throw
away the sword, the scabbard should fit this well.
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