An iconic Napoleonic Wars period 1796 Light Cavalry sergeant’s sabre probably made by the Birmingham makers, Reddell & Bate. The maker’s mark on the spine has been polished out and over engraved with the numeral 16, but the Board of ordnance Tower inspectors mark on the forte is a crown over the numeral 2. This inspectors’ mark appears on many of the sabres produced by Reddell & Bate as well as on 1804 pattern double-disk naval cutlasses produced by them. For consistency, it makes sense that the same inspector would be assigned to approving the quality of a particular manufacturer’s work.
The 836mm curved blade has a flat spine and wide, shallow fuller and terminates in a hatchet point. The blade was service sharpened. The blade is in very good condition with mild scratches and small edge nicks. The forte of the blade bears a Board of Ordnance inspectors stamp of a crown over the number 2. The spine is engraved with the number 16.
The stirrup hilt is in very good condition and remains bright. The leather wrapped wooden grip has a small loss at the pommel and retains its leather and twisted wire. Wire on the grip of a trooper's sabre is an oddity as usually they are leather wrapped over corded wood. The presence of a Board of ordnance inspection stamp indicates that the sabre was government property and issue so maybe the sabre was made for a senior sergeant? The grip is strong and the blade is firm in the hilt.
The sabre is complete with its sheet iron scabbard with twin suspension rings. The heavy scabbard is in very good condition with a small dent on the inside of the lower section and some shallow pitting. The top ring band is engraved with the numeral XII and the top of the scabbard is faintly engraved with the letter W over 35. I am unable to identify which cavalry regiment this could have been. The scabbard retains its original liner and the sword sheathes and draws smoothly and is held firmly within.
This is a very good example of the iconic Peninsular War and Waterloo period light cavalry sabre with some interesting markings.
