1796P Napoleonic British Light Cavalry Trooper's Sabre, sold

In very good condition, a 100 Days War (Battle of Waterloo) 1796P British light cavalry trooper's sabre.

Records indicate that Woolley & Sargant (1814/5-1816) formerly Woolley, Deakin & Dutton) produced their sabres especially for the looming 100 Days War in March and April 1815, after the Congress of Vienna declared Napoleon an outlaw after his escape from his first exile to the Elba, and the Allies mobilized their armies accordingly. Bearing a crown Board of Ordnance inspection mark, there would have been no need for Woolley & Sargant to produce these sabres / for the Board of Ordnance to procure / accept these sabres after Waterloo of course, as there were a glut of weapons after the historic event, as army personal were increasingly decommissioned during the Allied Army of Occupation and then onto peace time. It is therefore 99% certain that this iconic sabre was at the Battle of Waterloo, and period nicks to the forward cutting edge pretty much confirms this.

The 32 3/4 inch blade is in very good condition, save for the period tell-tale nicks to the forward cutting edge; it is easy to tell the difference between period and later falsely applied nicks by the wear and patina which is commensurate with the rest of the blade with period battle damage nicks. So this sabre almost certainly was there on that famous day and saw plenty of action. The blade is stamped with the correct crown over 4 acceptance mark for Woolley and Sargant, with their name on the spine ("Sargant" being well worn), and is form in the hilt. The guard and hilt are well patinated but with only light pitting here and there. The leather grip is intact and in good order, a great bonus to be able to hold the exact grip one of Britain's finest held 200 years ago. The steel scabbard marked solely "Woolley" with its typical throat stengthing is in good condition overall; a slight ding here and there and some pitting, but not too much. The sabre sheathes and draws well, a tiny amount of movement when sheathed, but not much.

A great sabre and a superb piece of history. Further / large images available upon request. Please quote item reference number E41 (790).