An iconic Napoleonic Wars period 1796 Light Cavalry trooper’s sabre made by the famous 18th Century 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, 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 excellent condition and remains bright with minimal tarnish. The cord wrapped wooden grip retains its leather 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 trooper's sabre from the Peninsular and Waterloo period of the Napoleonic Wars.
