An iconic Napoleonic Wars period 1796 Light Cavalry trooper’s sabre made by the famous Birmingham maker, Thomas Gill. Gill was awarded a Board of ordnance contract in 1797.
The 825mm curved blade has a flat spine and wide, shallow fuller and terminates in a hatchet point. The blade has been service sharpened. The blade is in good condition with a mild speckling of pale tarnish and spots of shallow pitting, mostly towards the point. The forte of the blade bears a Board of Ordnance inspectors stamp of a crown over the number 1. The spine is stamped with the maker’s name, GILL and two lines with the capital letters B, indicating the sabres point of balance.
The stirrup hilt is in good condition and remains bright with a speckled patina. The cord wrapped wooden grip has some old woodworm holes and retains its leather. 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 good condition with speckled tarnish and some shallow pitting. The scabbard retains its original liner and the sword sheathes and draws smoothly and is held firmly within.
This is a good example of the iconic Peninsular War and Waterloo period light cavalry sabre.
