Original British Napoleonic P-1796 Light Dragoon Saber by Johnston – Marked to the 10th Light Dragoons Original Items

Original Item: One of a Kind. Just received out of a very old Collection in England! This historic pattern of saber is quite remarkable! Napoleon Bonaparte himself complained about the design, opining that the “hatchet point”, the broadening of the blade at the very front end, constituted an “inhumane” weapon because of the horrendous wounds it inflicted. We should point out that the Prussians, under General BLÜCHER adopted the Saber as well and for them it become known as the “BLÜCHERSÄBEL”.

Our example is a complete “SLEEPER”, left uncleaned as we found it, and retains its wire bound leather grip and “stirrup” steel guard together with its original heavy iron Scabbard. The curved hatchet point blade measures 33″ X 1 1/2″, with an overall length 38″. The blade is very substantial but bears no visible markings on the flat or spine. The hilt chappe is engraved with:

10 L.D.
E
6

Traces of this same marking can be seen on the scabbard as well. This indicates that the Trooper was in “E” Company and was the Sixth man. The London-based Sword Maker’s details are in an engraved oval on the iron Scabbard:

JOHNSTON
No. 8
NEWCASTLE STREET
STRAND

In generally great condition the scabbard has small rust pits overall, the whole in very collectible condition. The retailer’s marking is somewhat faint, but can be read with a lighted magnifying glass. A truly EARLY P-1796 example.

The 10th (Prince of Wales’s Own) Regiment of (Light) Dragoons was so named because at the time was officially under command of the Prince of Wales himself, who would ascend the throne in 1820 as King George IV. In 1811 he had become the Prince Regent, and so bore that title as the regimental colonel. However, the heir to the throne could not possibly take the field as a commander, so they were always led by a subordinate. Still, they saw much action during the wars, and fought in General Wellington’s BATTLE OF WATERLOO as part of the 6th Cavalry Brigade. They were commanded by Lieutenant Colonel George Quentin, who was wounded, and Lieutenant Colonel Lord Robert Manner, who later became the 4th Duke of Rutland.

Offered as received right out of the attic after countless years in storage, just needs a good careful cleaning to present wonderfully. A Saber with a history.

A lovely manly sword ready to display!