Original British Napoleonic P-1876 Light Cavalry Saber with Scabbard – XV Hussars dated 1796 Original Items

Original Item: One Only. This particular sword just came out of a very old Collection in England. The pattern 1796 Light Cavalry Saber features a blade that is wider at the tip than it is at the guard. This became known as a “hatchet point” and was the subject of a complaint from Napoleon Bonaparte as being too inhumane due to the grievous wounds it was capable of inflicting. It should be pointed out that the Prussians, under General BLUCHER adopted the Saber as well and for them it become known as the “Bluchersabel”.

Our example retains it’s wire bound leather grip and “stirrup” steel guard. The curved hatchet point blade measures 33″ X 1 1/2″, with an overall length of 38″. The blade is still engraved with CROWN over G.R., for King George III and floral motifs on one side and “XV” over “H” and “1796” on the other. There are traces of the gilt inlay on the blade of scrolls of leaves and the Royal Cypher.

The top of the blade, the blunt side, is engraved with the Trooper’s number “33”. The Saber comes in its original all steel scabbard, also engraved “33” and the Sword Maker’s details in an engraved oval:-

JOHNSTON
No. 8
NEWCASTLE ST.
STRAND

The Strand is famous thoroughfare the City of Westminster, Central London. This saber is in generally great condition the scabbard has small rust pits overall, the whole in very collectible condition. A truly EARLY P-1796 example.

The XVth Hussars in fact took part in the Battle of Waterloo as the KING’S REGIMENT OF LIGHT DRAGOONS/HUSSARS under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Sir Colquhoun Grant K.B.C., assisted by Lieutenant Colonel Leighton C. Dalrymple who was wounded in the historic battle.

A lovely manly sword ready to display