This Georgian blue and gilt sword is a fine example of the iconic Napoleonic Wars period 1796 Light Cavalry Officer’s Sabre.
The 815mm curved blade has a flat spine above a wide, shallow fuller and terminates in a hatchet point. The Solingen made blade is etched with gilt floral motifs, and the crowned royal cypher of King George III above a stand of arms. Above these etchings is a sunrise motif and below them is a crescent moon. The obverse is etched with floral motifs and stands of arms. Much of the blue and gilt finish remains with fading and wear consistent with age. The blue & gilt looks far better in the hand. The photos taken under artificial lighting do not do it justice. The blade is in overall excellent condition with just a few small patches of tarnish and a small crack towards the point. The crack has a braised repair and is barely noticeable.
The stirrup hilt has a chiselled lines on the languets and grip collar and a faceted back strap with comma ears. The steel is bright and in good condition with a mild age patina. The ridged wooden grip retains its leather wrap and the twisted silver wire is intact. There are old and inactive woodworm holes but the grip remains strong. The blade is firm in the hilt.
The sabre is complete with its steel scabbard, which is in overall excellent condition with only mild age-related tarnish. The sword sheaths and draws smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard.
There are no maker’s marks on the sabre or scabbard but the blade is typical of a Solingen import. The faceted back strap and small comma-like ears on the grip suggest that the sabre might have been finished by Samuel Brunn. Samuel Brunn was known to have imported Solingen made blades and hilted them at his premises in Charing Cross, London.
This is an excellent example of a Georgian light cavalry officer’s sabre.
