In aged condition, a 4th Light Dragoons Charge of the Light Brigade era Sword
Click Here to enquire / inquire about / buy this item
We believe this British 1853 pattern cavalry sword was used by a 4th Light Dragoons Cavalry Trooper during the Charge of the Light Brigade in 1854.
Caveats: It is believed half of the trooper swords used in the Charge of the Light Brigade were 1853P’s like this one, the other half were the predecessor 1821P’s. There is absolutely no documentary or photographic evidence to say which swords the 4th Light Dragoons used; it may well have been a mixture as there were initial supply problems with the 1853P. Most 1853P Charge of the Light Brigade swords with any provenance whatsoever were not British made, but British imports from Liege (Belgium) which were made in Solingen Prussia; these swords bear a “L” over “8” under British Crown proof / view mark to the forte of the blade and are devoid of any maker’s name to the spine of the blade (British sword makers typically, if not always put their names to the blade). British cavalry regiment markings were still not fully regulated. We bought this sword at a UK auction from a deceased’s estate sale without any provenance. The scabbard only has one suspension mount and is in better condition than the sword itself so it was either likely kept separate or is a replacement.
So, why do we believe this sword was at the Charge of the Light Brigade?
1) It has clearly been out of a scabbard for a long while to have gotten that oxidized (black). This indicates it was a display sword.
2) It has very early markings and a period brass plate to the guard stating it is a 4LD sword. Shortly after the Charge of the Light Brigade markings conformed much more rigorously to the regulations and we can see no such later markings on this sword which would have been made retrospectively if the sword had stayed in service.
3) In 1861 the 4th Light Dragoons became the 4th Hussars.
4) There are no apparent double crows feet decommissioning marks, indicating the sword was awarded to a trooper who served in the Charge of the Light Brigade (this is known to have occurred).
5) There is a crown inspection / view mark to the blade but it is well rusted; it looks to us to be a “L8” mark for Liege. If this mark was clear / absolute, it would pretty much guarantee the sword was at that famous battle.
Reality: There are very few swords with absolute provenance of being at the Charge of the Light Brigade. If this sword had 100% provenance, it would be worth 20 times what we are selling it for.
The 33 inch blade is well aged with a dark brown-black patina and pitting; the point has been slightly rounded either for post-use safety or because of damage. The blade is firm in the hilt. The guard is well oxidated and has a slight bending of the outer bar indicating combat use. The original composite grip is aged, deteriorating / warping a little, etc. but is sound and preserveable. The scabbard is in quite good condition (no evident markings). The sword sheathes and draws well.
A genuine Charge of the Light Brigade period sword for £1500? Don’t blink, or it will be gone. Please quote item reference ZY55. Further / full sized images available upon request. Box 1919 114 x 17 x 16 (3.357).
