In good condition, a British 6th Dragoon Guards 1796P Heavy Cavalry Trooper’s Sword
Click Here to enquire / inquire about / buy this item
Guaranteed authentic in an ocean of reproductions / fakes / fraudulently later marked 1796 pattern British heavy cavalry trooper’s swords. How can you tell?
1) The blade maker’s mark to the spine was made when the blade was red hot; in this case, inscribed (not modern diamond jig set or laser cut as with fakes / repros)
2) Age, particulary the all important regimental markings (again, inscribed / punched, not diamond or laser cut); truly aged (no raised edges / burr, the patina goes into the markings, the markings are age use worn). So many genuine 1796p’s exist but with fraudulent later markings to significantly increase the value (actually significantly decreases the value).
3) The blade point. Fakes are bulbous and often have ridge lines near the point; this has the correct totally flat point section.
4) Tang and pommel union. Sometimes replacement modern blades are used with authentic hilts, but this shows itself by way of marks to the pommel around the tang finale.
5) “Dawes Birmingham” marked scabbards are almost always used by reproducers from the Indian subcontinent.
6) Genuine clear age / pitting / patina common sense; pitting with patina is really difficult to fake.
7) The hilt / guard of fakes is thicker and the reinforcement plate is distinctly seperate.
8) Markings for a regiment that was present in the Battle of Waterloo should always be given extra scrutiny as these command the highest prices; the 6th Dragoon Guards were in Ireland suppressing an uprising at the time.
There two sets of period regimental markings to the knuckle bow of the guard; the original rudimentary “C” over divider line over “15” for weapon number 15 of C Troop; the slightly later “6” over “DG” over “I” over “65” (for 6th Dragoon Guards, Troop I, Weapon 65) which indicates the sword having been relegated.
Rest assured, this is a genuine period marked Napoleonic Wars British 6th Dragoon Guards 1796P Heavy Cavalry Trooper’s Sword & Scabbard with original hatchet point.
The 34 5/8 inch hatchet point blade has an ominous period small nick to the forward cutting edge but otherwise is in aged but good condition, and firm in the hilt. The hilt / guard with original langets and intact disc guard is in aged but good condition. Thee leather over wood base grip has a drying crack but is otherwise good / sound. Thee heavy steel scabbard has no apparent markings (likely there were some but which got worn / erroded away), a light steady pitting and patina throughout and is in good aged condition. The sword sheathes and draws well.
What a beauty; guard intact and original hatchet point. Bargain! £2000. Please quote item reference AI35. Further / full sized images available upon request. Box 1999 107 x 15 x 16 (2.326).
