With battle damage, a Waterloo British Heavy Cavalry Trooper’s Sword of the Royal Dragoons
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.
With period cursive engraving “RD E 32” (Royal Dragoons, E Troop, Weapon 32) to the knuckle bow of the guard, a bend at the forte, the point made into a spear point, this sword 100% was with the Union Brigade when it charged Napoleon’s finest and captured the eagle of the French 105th Line Infantry Regiment. Upon close inspection, the “RD” was added after the troop and weapon number (earliest markings were just troop and weapon), likely by the same regimental engraver, most likely just before embarking for the ultimate showdown with the Imperial French Grand Army, as it was unlikely to have been done after the sword was damaged. The fact the sword has a converted to spear point (from the original hatchet point, for greater piercing ability), places it at the Battle of Waterloo. The very good condition of the sword speaks of being retired after the battle (most serviceable 1796P’s ended up as very worn practice swords). The scabbard from a different maker and the type of blade damage indicates the trooper fell off his sword onto his drawn sword.
One langet is absent; this is a modification to prevent the sword catching on the scabbard. Sword by Dawes, scabbard by Woolley Deakin Dutton & Johnson.
The 34 1/2 inch blade is in good condition save for the battle damage bend at the forte, and firm in the hilt. The guard / hilt is good, some light pitting, some slight wear bending, one langet removed. The original leather grip is in well above average condition; some small patches of wear, nothing much. The heavy steel scabbard has a suspension ring missing, many dents and medium pitting, but is good. The sword sheathes and draws well, indicating the internal wooden slats are still present, but it can snag on those same slats while being sheathed (so, withdraw and sheath more carefully again).
You really do not get many chances to own an authentic Battle of Waterloo British 1796 pattern heavy cavalry trooper’s sword like this, so think before you blink otherwise someone else will nab it first. Yours for was £? (too late, now sold). Please quote reference number AH76. Further / full sized photos available upon request. Box 1848 108x14x14 (2.57).
