In 1834, the Belgian cavalry and artillery adopted the French M1822 Light Cavalry Sabre. All swords used by the Belgian forces at this time were imported from outside the country. This Belgian cavalry sabre dates from the mid-19th Century the blade having been made in Solingen, Germany then hilted in Liege, Belgium.
The 916mm single edged blade has a broad, flat spine with a wide, shallow fuller running for 725mm of its length on both sides of the blade. A shorter, narrow fuller runs above this and immediately below the spine. The blade has a pronounced curvature of around 36mm and terminates in a thin hatchet point. The ricasso is stamped with the maker’s mark of Gebrüder Weyersberg of Solingen and the forte of the blade bears a crowned Belgian inspection mark and the number 985. The blade is in near mint condition and is firm in the hilt.
The brass three-bar guard is in excellent condition, as is the grip leather although it is missing its twisted brass wire.
The sword is complete with its steel scabbard with double suspension rings and asymmetrical drag. The scabbard is in excellent condition with a pale grey age patina. The sword draws and sheathes smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard.
The USA and several European countries adopted this iconic French cavalry sabre with little or no change to the original pattern. Sabres that are identifiable as being of Belgian issue are seldom encountered.
