British 1796 P Heavy Cavalry Officer's Undress Sword (sold)

An exceptionally rare 1796 Pattern British heavy cavalry officer's "undress" (battle) sabre by Runkel.

This is an exceptionally rare Napoleonic Wars British heavy cavalry officer's sabre, the undress version, the one used on the battlefield at the likes of Waterloo. The trooper's version I come across fairly regularly, this is the first officer's I have seen in a number of years; I may never be able to acquire another one again, such is their rarity.

The 88cm blade has its original hatchet tip and is firm in the hilt; the blade with JJ Runkel Solingen to the spine and the Georgian Royal Cypher both sides of the blade itself. A little the worse for age having suffered some light rusting, but overall in remarkably good condition and now having benefited from a long soak in preservation oil (will slowly work on any active rust remaining turning it to inactive black patina) and wax. The hilt is in incredibly good condition, the grip has lost its wire bindings (grip wire) but the fishskin itself is remarkably well preserved and now too has been given the preservation treatment to preserve it.

More likely than not of course this sabre saw action against Napoleon's French Army but there is only one small nick to the cutting edge of the blade. An incredibly scarce example of Britain's finest hours. Further / full sized pictures available upon request. Item reference number 326 (106).