1853P 20th Hussars / Yeomanry Marked Cavalry Trooper's Sabre, sold

In good condition, a scarce 1853P British cavalry trooper's sabre with Prussian Kirschbaum blade, scabbard marked to 20th Hussars, yeomanry and possibly older marks to hilt.

A fairly scarce example of the 1853P in that the blade was made by Prussian maker Kirschbaum (the blade has their knight's head trademark stamped to one side), which happened because English blade makers could not deliver the numbers then required by the British War Department. The scabbard has crown E14 acceptance stamp plus "20, H, 292, 56" indicating it was originally issued to the 20th Hussars. We have seen other examples where only the hilts had regimental markings (there are no 20th Hussar markings to the hilt). The hilt does however bear the markings for the North Shropshire Yeomanry Cavalry, while the blade has a crown E7 acceptance mark. This probably means the sword and scabbard were passed down separately to the North Shropshire Yeomanry Cavalry after serving with different front line regiments, one being the 20th Hussars. This is quite a common occurrence as yeomanry reservist cavalry hardly ever got brand new weapons.

The 35 inch blade is in good condition, some former light rust pitting but not much. The Kirschbaum Trademark is on one side, the British crown E7 acceptance mark the other. The blade is firm in the hilt. The hilt has some rust pitting, mostly on the two rounded bars that form the guard, but overall good and sound. The hilt is marked twice with "NSYC C 46" (sword 46 of C troop of the North Shropshire Yeomanry Cavalry), there looks to be the remains of older markings under one of these. The grip is in good condition. The scabbard is really nice and the sword sheathes and draws very well, and fits the scabbard perfectly. These 1853P's are hard to come by and this one is in above average condition with lots of markings to testify to its past. Further / full sized images upon request. Please quote item reference number D33 (732).