1853 Patt British 2nd Dragoon Guards Trooper's Sabre, sold

In good condition, a scarce 1853P British cavalry trooper's sabre marked to the 2nd Dragoon Guards who saw sword intensive action at the Siege of Lucknow.

A sword that you can say with almost certainty that saw bloody action; a sword that may well have dispatched some poor soul to the next life or caused him some nasty injury. This sword is marked to the 2nd Dragoon Guards (Queen's Bays) who used their swords to cut down many Indian "mutineers" at the Siege of Lucknow in 1857.

"We came on bodies of Cavalry and Infantry of the enemy. Bays where ordered to the front to charge and pursue! Away we went as hard as possible, Major Smith and I leading. We did not stop for three miles, cutting down and pursuing the mutineers right up to Lucknow, and across the river".

The hilt, which was prone to breakage on this sword pattern, has been repaired at some stage, further indicating rough use or action. There are a few tell tale nicks to the forward cutting edge of the blade. At 34 3/4 inches, the blade is slightly shorter than normal, clearly done during its service life, which almost certainly means the tip was damaged at Lucknow, as these blades were also prone to breaking near the point upon full thrust contact. Although the blade is a tad shorter than virgin 1853P's, the fact this sabre was used against an opponent more than compensates, even if you noticed that the blade was slightly short in the first place, which most people would not. The blade is in good condition, if a little over zealously "cleaned.

The hilt is in good order, though some pitting. The grip is very sound. The steel scabbard has its share of slight damage / abrasion and denting, but is overall good. The sword sheathes and draws well. Hold it an you will almost certainly connect with the trooper involved in the charge of the winter of 1857. It is very nice to get a sword marked to such a regiment with such an evocative past. Further / full sized images upon request. Please quote item reference number C44 (742)