Original British Napoleonic P-1796 Light Dragoon Saber with Scabbard marked to the 12th 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 in fine condition and retains its leather wrapped wooden grip and “stirrup” steel guard together, with its original heavy iron Scabbard. The wire wrapping on the grip unfortunately has been removed. 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
C
17

The C / 17 marking can be seen on the top of the scabbard as well. This indicates that the Trooper was in “C” Company and was the seventeenth man. In generally great condition the scabbard has small rust pits overall, the whole in very collectible condition. 

This Regiment of Light Dragoons/Lancers were raised in 1715 by Brigadier General PHINEAS BOWLES and became the 12th Regiment in 1751. It took part in the French Revolutionary War in 1794 followed by the Egyptian Campaign of 1801 and joined Wellington in in 1811 in the Peninsular Campaign under the Command of Colonel FREDERICK PONSONBY. It took part in the Battle of Waterloo and joined SIR JOHN VANDERLEUR’s Brigade, which charged with the UNION Brigade in which FREDERICK PONSONBY was killed.

A fine marked manly sword with steel scabbard, ready to display!

Specifications:
Overall length: 37 1/2”
Blade length: 33″
Blade Style: Single Edged with Fuller & Hatchet Point
Handguard: 5” wide x 4 1/2” long
Scabbard length: 33 1/2”