This Georgian 1796 Light Cavalry Officer’s Sabre was made by Henry Osborn between 1798 and 1807. The etching on the blade is fantastic, superior in both quality and composition.
The 825mm curved blade has a flat spine above a wide, shallow fuller and terminates in a hatchet point. The spine is stamped with “Osborns’ Warranted.” The blade is crisply etched with floral and foliate motifs, a pineapple and urn, a mounted cavalryman and the royal coat of arms below a curtained pavilion topped with foliage including a rose, oak leaves and acorns. The obverse is etched with floral and foliate motifs, a detailed trophy of arms, King George III crowned royal cypher below Britannia with crossed swords and an urn with foliate scrollwork. The etching is crisp and clear and retains its original polish. The blade is in excellent condition with its original polish and just a few small patches of tarnish towards the point.
The stirrup hilt has a faceted back strap and pommel. The inner languet was removed (usually done to prevent uniform wear). The steel is bright and in very good condition with a mild age patina. The ridged wooden grip retains its polished leather wrap and twisted silver wire. There are some 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 and some small and very shallow dings. The scabbard retains its wooden lining and the sword sheaths and draws smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard.
This is an superior example of a Napoleonic Wars period light cavalry officers sabre in fantastic condition and with high quality etching.
