In very good condition, a French Dutch m1813 Light Cavalry Officers Sabre
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Officiers Sabel Lichte Cavalerie no 3 m1813. A rare Napoleonic French Empire Dutch model 1813 Light Cavalry Officers Sabre, which quite likely saw active service as part of Napoleon’s Grande Armee when Holland was a part of the French Empire, then against Napoleon in June 1815 at Waterloo where the Dutch, then allied to Britain and Prussia, served with great distinction (despite being once fired upon by the British who mistook them for French).
This fine sabre, with a French blade of course, was obviously carried by a very fine and important officer as it has deer antler grip; not the rugged external deer antler we normally think of, but the fine inner antler. Getting a deer antler big enough (problem being the curvature of the antler) and fine enough is rare; this is a very fine piece indeed.
The 34 inch period sharpened blade has lost most of its once fine blue and gilt etch but remains in good condition, save for the ominous roughness and very slight nicks to the forward cutting edge which show this saber saw action. Blade firm in the hilt (this stirrup hilt was used by the Dutch but not the French). The superb deer antler grip has aged and worn well, but has some very fine natural age cracks developing. Twisted grip wire bindings good, some waywardness but not much. The steel scabbard with distinctive suspension mounts a bit aged, worn and battered but good. The sabre sheathes and draws well.
Stunning, evocative, rare. An absolute investment at (was) £2000, now £1600 . Please quote item reference AG71. Further / full sized images available upon request. Box 1518-117x15x14 (2.106).
