The 1796 Light Cavalry Trooper's sabre is one of the most prized British army swords and finding a genuine item in good condition is difficult.
Many 1796 Light Cavalry trooper swords were made without maker’s marks and sold directly to regiments. This was common practice at the turn of the 18th Century. It was left to the regimental chiefs to decide if and how to mark their swords. This was the case even when the War Department had sourced their swords and at times of conflict, withholding weaponry for marking purposes was hardly a priority.
This superb P1796 Light Cavalry Troopers sabre was made by Wooley, Deakin & Dobbs of Birmingham between 1803 and 1808, placing it firmly within the Peninsular War and later 100 Days War of the Napoleonic Wars which culminated on the 18th June, 1815 with the battle of Waterloo.
While it is not possible to place this sabre at any particular battle. it is almost guaranteed that it saw service during these campaigns.
The 84cm broad, curved blade is in overall excellent condition with only minor age patina.
The blade’s spine is stamped with the letter “B” for Birmingham in two places. The rest of the sabre is un-marked. The blade is firm in the hilt.
The wooden, leather covered hilt is showing its age and use with wear to the leather, which is missing in small areas and a chip to the wood where the “P” guard meets the pommel.
The steel of the guard and back strap are generally bright but have all over age related tarnish.
The original steel scabbard is marked with the maker’s names, “Wooley, Deakin and Dobbs,” which allows the sabre to be dated to between 1803 and 1808 as prior to 1803 the company was just Wooley and Deakin and after 1808, Johnson joined the firm and subsequent marks included his name as well as the former three.
The scabbard is heavily pitted all over but is solid and the sabre draws and sheaths well and is held firmly with no rattle or play.
This is a genuine Napoleonic Wars issue Light Cavalry sabre in over-all good condition for its age and service. Finding a sword that saw service during the Napoleonic Wars is increasingly hard.
