This fine sword is a 19th Century Anglo-Indian cavalry sabre. This sabre has a scarce guard variant that has been associated with the Bengal Cavalry. One unit marked example has been identified as being from the 6th Bengal Cavalry, also known as “Jacob’s Horse.” The blade length is also consistent with those used by Bengal cavalry regiments, other Indian regiments, such as the Madras and Bombay cavalry were known to use shorter blades.
This sabre was supplied to the Anglo-Indian cavalry by Joseph Bourne & Son, who were Birmingham based gun makers. Bourne & Son were in business from 1867 until 1908 and were a major supplier of sabres made by the Birmingham firm of Robert Mole & Sons.
The 820mm curved blade is of the Paget pattern and has a single-edge and a broad fuller below a flat spine. The blade terminates in a hatchet point. The sabre has been service sharpened and retains a sharp fighting edge. The blade is bright and clean with some small patches of tarnish and shallow pitting (mainly on one side) and mild sharpening scratches along the edge.
The spine is stamped with the mane: J Bourne & Son.
The distinctive and scarce guard is in good condition. The front of the inside edge of the guard is etched with a floral motif and the inner bar bears the number 59. The inside of the outer bar is stamped with the number 1041, possibly an issue number. The hardwood grip is in good condition. All known examples of this pattern guard have unwired and unwrapped hardwood grips. The blade is firm in the hilt.
The sabre is complete with its leather covered wooden scabbard with a darkened steel chape. The scabbard is in good condition with some loss of leather on the rear above the chape and general marks and use related wear to the leather. The swords sheathes and draws smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard.
This is a good example of a scarce hilt variant, British made Anglo-Indian cavalry sabre.
