In very good condition but battle damaged, a scarce Napoleonic Wars British 1796 Pattern Heavy Cavalry Trooper’s Sword and Scabbard by Craven
Sorry, this item has been sold (NB: we do not divulge sold prices). However, we have a search facility to help you find more similar items. Plus a feature that allows you to enter your email and keywords (for what you are looking for) to be notified by email when anything comes in. Or you can simply browse the various categories. See the left hand navigation column.
This sword has seen battle. The hilt / guard has a period regimental repair where it was broken, not bent then snapped in two. The only thing that would have cause such a clean break would be a burly trooper and / or his horse falling onto it. The blade, in original clipped point form, also has a few nicks etc. to it. The sword markings show just the troop letter and weapon number; Troop F, sword 13 and Troop C, scabbard 1, which shows the sword and scabbard are a regimental marriage, no doubt consigned to stores after being wed. The markings and lack of modifications (the blade is not spear pointed and the disc guard has not been cut down one side to help prevent tunic fraying), very much suggest the sword saw action in the Peninsular War but was held in reserve during the 100 Days War (Waterloo) in 1815, but it may have been at Waterloo. Sticking with the Peninsular War belief, one of Wellingtons very greatest victories was at The Battle of Salamanca in July 1812, when his cavalry, including several British heavy cavalry regiments, is held as “the single most destructive charge made by a brigade of cavalry in the whole Napoleonic period”; it is very, very likely this sword was damaged there and then in our opinion. The previous owner, a prolific Napoleonic gun collector, said this sword was at Waterloo, but everyone says that! We are sure, 100%, that this sword was very much involved in defeating Napoleon, but in the Peninsular War. The fact it has clear battle damage provenance and an unmodified clipped point, makes it very, very special and rare.
Foot note: The langets have been removed which is one of the modifications regiments made to stop the langets bending in an blocking or even trapping the sword. It may be possible to research these swords to see which regiment(s) first / only removed the langets, and used those sword and scabbard marking styles to hopefully determine which regiment it once belonged o and which battle it sustained the hilt damage by.
The 34 1/2 original clipped point blade is in very good condition save for some battle wear / roughness towards the point and a few small period nicks along the blade. Blade firm in hilt. The hilt very good save for the period repair. The original grip in very good condition for its age. The scabbard with a ding or two and some light pitting patches is otherwise very good (the throat tension screws are missing). The sword sheathes and draws very well.
Rare, evocative, great condition, battle damage, hugely collectible, was £? (too late, now sold). Please quote item reference AG19. Further / full sized images available upon request. Box 1348-121x19x16 (3.017).
