In very good overall condition, a rare French Mid 19th Century Orient cavalry officer’s mameluke sabre.
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There is very, very little of the blade etching left, and what there is is so feint, but the scabbard fittings, blade and hilt give this away as an exceptionally rare Mid 19C French Orient French Cavalry Officer’s Mameluke Sabre. This one had been with an English family for some time, but they have no idea how it came to be so. It is possible the sabre came into British hands sometime during the Crimean War, but we doubt it. It is unlikely to be a war trophy as Britain did not fight any wars with France after the Napoleonic Wars. Perhaps their ancestor was French; it is a mystery.
The 32 1/8 inch blade is in good condition, period sharpened, the very tiniest tip missing, two period small nicks to the cutting edge point end. Blade firm in hilt. The two ivory grip scales complete but with age cracks and one rosette missing. The leather and brass / gilt metal fittings scabbard in very good shape for its age. The sword sheathes and draws well.
We would day well above average condition, but as these sabres are so rare, there is nothing to measure this one against. Anyway, in very good condition for its age and such a rare sword, used by the French in Algeria and elsewhere to devastating effect. Truly, under-priced at just was £? (too late, now sold). Please quote item reference O24. Further / full sized images available upon request. Box 0187-1m (2.213).
