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

In sound though aged overall condition, a Woolley & Deakin 1796 pattern British light cavalry trooper's sabre and scabbard.

The spine of this sabre has the remains of the maker's mark which you can just make out in good light with the naked eye; Woolley & Deakin. The firm used this name from 1798 to 1806. The blade, crucially, has a crown over eight acceptance / inspection mark, which shows the sword was purchased by the British Government / Army, which means the sword was purchased for use by a regular light cavalry regiment, not a reservist / yeomanry regiment. The fact this forward cutting edge of the blade has a clear period straight nick to it, shows the sword came into contact with another sword, at speed. For sure then, this sword saw very active service in the Napoleonic Wars, quite likely Waterloo.

The 32 1/4 inch blade is generally in good condition, though has a large rust pitting patch midway on one side. The blade is firm in the hilt. The steel "stirrup" hilt is in good condition overall. The original leather on wood grip is well aged, with patched missing and some worm holes, but is still present, which is a big bonus. The presumed original steel scabbard is in fairly good order. The sword sheathes and draws fairly well.

Anyway, for £650 you can own one the most feared light cavalry sword of the era, and one that was clearly put to actual use against the French. Please quote item reference number I32 (1041). Further / full sized images upon request.