1796 Pattern Officer's Light Calvary Sword
1796 Pattern Officer's Light Calvary Sword
Great Britain
Early 19th century (ca. 1801 - 1816)
Iron, gold, leather
Blade: 63,5cm
Hilt & Blade: 75,9cm
Hilt, Blade, Sheath: -cm
Collection Date: 2024
Collection Number: 408
An example of the famous British 1796 Pattern light calvary sabre from the Napoleonic Wars era and made famous by Salamanca and Waterloo. The pattern was later adopted by Sweden and some Portuguese calvary.
The curved steel, single- edged blade has a single broad fuller extending near the tip, which has been cut down into a drop point. Unmarked blade and ricasso. Engraved on one side in gold gilt are flowers of the union, floral swirls and motifs, "GR" royal cypher in vine scrolls (Georgius Rex: Royal and Imperial cypher of King George III (r. 1760 - 1820)), and a St. Edward's Crown. On the reverse, the Royal Coat of Arms (crowned English lion and Scottish unicorn), (lion with the motto: "Dieu Et Mon Droit" (God and my right"), and the order motto, "Honi Soit qui mal y pense" (Shamed be whoever thinks ill of it)). Also, a swordsman on horseback, cannons and flags, and foliate motifs.
Single iron "stirrup" knuckle bow guard with upturned quillion, iron backstrap with grip of leather. Missing its braided brass wire binding with remnants remaining under the backstrap. Officer's swords are distinguished by hilt grips bound by wire and the back piece having reduced sized ears or no ears present at all, like this piece. The British Coat of Arms is post 1801 and is likely the 1801 - 1816 Royal Coat of Arms. A good example with a quality blade of fanciful engravings.