1796P English Light Cavalry Trooper's Sabre / Sword, Osborn, for sale

A very good 1796 pattern English Napoleonic cavalry trooper's sword by renowned maker, Osborn.

We guarantee this item is authentic, not a later reproduction. Be warned, the 1796P is one of the most reproduced sabres in the world and many copies are very good, then deliberately / fraudulently aged by dealers and passed off as authentic. We 100% guarantee this is an authentic Napoleonic English 1796 pattern light cavalry trooper's sabre by Osborn of Birmingham. The scabbard and blade spine have the correct Osborn markings, the blade spine also has the correct bend test markings not found on reproductions.

This 1796P is in very good condition and with it original leather grip in very good order; this is exceptionally rare. The reason for this is almost certainly that the sabre was sold to a yeomanry cavalry regiment as there is no crown acceptance mark to the blade; the blade, unlike most has not been "worn" / "cleaned" / sanded down like most, it is pretty much as it was the day it was purchased at the beginning of the 19th Century, during the time of Napoleon. Most issued (crown marked) authentic specimens had a long arduous service life and then were passed down to yeomanry cavalry, so most are very, very worn. This one is in very good condition for an authentic sabre, and again we stress it is authentic, guaranteed.

The 33 inch blade is in great condition, still slightly sharp, a true meat (flesh) slicing blade and it feels it; there is the tiniest section missing from the tip, which is period, but you do not notice it unless you run your finger (carefully) over it or really inspect it. Though we do not think this blade was ever drawn in action, we may be wrong. There appears to be the remains of some light markings to the knuckle bow and one langet, but we are sure if these are regimental markings, they would be yeomanry.

The hilt is aged but very good, the grip is original and in good order; a great bonus. The sword sheathes and draws very well; it appears the original internal wooden liners are intact. Well above average and a superb feel to it, a great investment at £850; these swords are getting increasingly difficult to source. Full sized / additional photos available upon request. Please quote item reference number C18 - Box 619-1m.