In very good condition, a Craven made Waterloo era British 1796P Heavy Cavalry Trooper’s Sword
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Waterloo era or Waterloo? We have put “era” but believe it was at the Battle of Waterloo. Why? It is spear pointed and has period nicks to the blade (no burr, patina in the nicks themselves). Original hatchet pointed 1796P’s were field converted to spear points just before Waterloo, so this rules out earlier Napoleonic battles, plus swords were unlikely to be modified by other non-Waterloo regiments / there was no need to modify blades after Waterloo. The langets have been removed; regiments going into battle did this because the langets made it harder to sheath and draw the sword into / from the scabbard. There were no reservist / yeomanry British heavy cavalry regiments. British cavalry swords mostly had rudimentary troop and weapon number markings (no regimental designation) markings in 1815; this has matching “A 6” period stamps to the guard and scabbard.
Marked “T Craven” to the blade’s spine; Thomas Craven made these swords in Birmingham England between 1798 and 1801. Increasing the value of this sword is the fact it has matching serial numbers (so the sword and scabbard are original to each other), plus the circular front disc guard has not been cut down / modified (some regiments did this to try and prevent the sword guards rubbing on / wearing out tunics). Crown over 8 British War Office inspection stamp. Other possible blade markings half showing from the union with the guard.
The 34 inch spear pointed blade is in good condition except for a few period nicks (which somewhat add to the value), firm in the hilt. The steel disc hilt is in good condition. The ribbed grip has its original leather surface which is in good condition for its age. The steel scabbard has a light speckled pitting and a couple of minor dings (small dents) towards the drag but is otherwise very good for its age and service (suspension rings absent). The sword sheathes and draws well.
A spectacular probable Waterloo used British 1796 Pattern Heavy Cavalry Trooper’s Sword with original scabbard in very good condition for only £2000? We must be mad! Please quote item reference AJ22. Further / full sized images available upon request. Box 2280 111 x 13 x 13 (2.522).
