This 1821 pattern light cavalry sword was probably made in Britain under private sector contract for export to Portugal. Britain was a major exporter of these swords to Portugal and most examples are without maker’s markings. Spanish (Toledo) made examples are clearly marked as such.
The 860mm slightly curved blade has a thick, flat spine above a wide, three-quarter length fuller. The blade is double-edged for the final 240mm and terminates in a spear point. The blade is in overall excellent condition with very shallow (hardly able to be felt) speckles of pitting at the point. The blade has been service sharpened and retains upper and lower fighting edges.
The blade is firm in the iron three-bar hilt. The bars of the guard are in excellent condition. The shagreen wrapped grip retains its twisted wire and is in excellent condition.
The sword is complete with its polished iron scabbard with a single suspension ring. The ring band is stamped with A.E. indicating Portuguese use. The scabbard is in overall very good condition with some mild speckles of tarnish. The sword sheathes and draws smoothly.
This is a very good example of an 1821 pattern light cavalry sword.
