In aged sound condition, a rare Hatchet Point 1796P British Heavy Cavalry Trooper’s Sword
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In aged and worn condition! The original markings only just visible or “cleaned” off entirely. The remains of what appears to be a GILL plus a possible crown acceptance (or “B” bend test) mark to the spine, and a crown acceptance mark to the blade proper (see our white marker line identifying it). There are teasing markings, including an aged “4” amongst others on the scabbard. Yes, the grip has been replaced, probably more recently, by someone who knew what they were doing. But look, this is an authentic 1796P, not an aged later repro; you can not fake the age of the metal (and this sword has none of the characteristics / slight variations of a reproduction – it is 100% correct). Also, note, there were no reserve (yeomanry) heavy cavalry regiments, so this sword went to a regular (front line) heavy cavalry regiment. The hatchet point remains; it was not converted to spear point as most were just prior to Waterloo and after; it may have been at Waterloo as some troopers’ swords still had original hatchet points; not many, but a few. This is a collector’s dream because, besides the original hatchet point, the langets are intact (many were removed to ease sheathing of swords), as is the disc guard (many were cut and flattened one side to try and prevent fraying of the trooper’s uniforms). The scabbard does have one strange period or very old feature, a leather “glove” over the drag; as far as we can feel, the scabbard is complete underneath. Because the glove has age, we let it be; we surmised it was for the comfort / benefit of the horse, to cushion the drag from sticking / knocking into its side. Again, this is a 100% authentic 1796P (replacement grip and scabbard stop washer on the blade excepted).
We suspect the sword was retired before Waterloo, possibly because of a break in the blade which was possibly period re-forged (later smiths do not know how to do it so well, if at all, these days); it is very hard to tell. But these swords endured very very harsh and often long service lives, so this guaranteed authentic example is a total gem.
The regulation length 35 inch blade is in quite good condition, a lot of age, a possible period well done repair (reforging) line, some period nicks (no burr), and firm in the hilt. The guard / hilt with a lot of age, mostly pitting, is nonetheless still sound / good; the inner edge a little bent upwards (towards the grip) from rubbing into the trooper (normal, and a sign of authenticity). The back piece / strap and grip ears were cleaned bright when the grip was replaced. The replacement grip is good. The original steel scabbard has age and a possibly period leather glove over the drag (the scabbard is believed to be whole and intact underneath). The sword sheathes and draws fairly loosely, so the original wooden slat liners have gone (normal).
Come on, a 1796P heavy cavalry trooper’s sword with hatchet point in aged sound to good condition for only was £? (too late, now sold)! You should be biting our hand off over this one! Please quote item reference AH49. Further / full sized images available upon request. Box 1805-109x15x14 (2.400)
