1821 Patt British 3rd Dragoons Cavalry Trooper's Sabre, Sold

Good condition 1821 pattern British light cavalry trooper's sabre; the scabbard is clearly marked to the legendary and infamous 3rd Dragoon Guards.

This is a scarce 1821 pattern British light cavalry trooper's sabre in good order for its age / harsh service life and with some interesting markings; the scabbard is marked "3 DG D 1" (3rd Dragoon Guards, D Troop, Trooper 1"). The 3rd Dragoon Guards were of course heavy cavalry! Why D troop's presumably lead trooper or corporal carried a light cavalry sabre, I will leave others to advise or speculate. In any event, it does add interest and potentially greater value to what is a superb sword anyway. Not least as the sword was very likely to have been involved in the infamous 1831 charge on the Bristol Rioters. The scabbard is marked to maker Enfield, while the sabre to Woolley, Sargant & Fairfax (1826 to 1834), but as there are no later / yeomanry markings, the presumption must be that the scabbard was a period replacement for the original. There is a stores / rack number of 8116 to the guard.

The 35 1/2 inch blade, complete with crown inspection mark which confirms the sabre was sold to the regular army, not yeomanry, is in very good condition and firm in the hilt. The outer bar of the guard is bent a little inward, which only shows typical service wear (these swords had very long and arduous service lives and were still in use and preferred to its predecessor by many regiments even as late as the Crimean War). The wooden grip has lost its leather skin (again indicating a long, harsh service life) but is in very good condition for its age. The steel scabbard is sound to good, with some pitting. The sabre sheathes and draws very well.

1821P's like this with history and a clear service life are scarce. A great addition to anyone's collection as well as being an investment, the price is £? (too late, now sold). Please quote item reference 435 (109). Further / full sized images available upon request.