1796 Patt. Pre-1803 blue & gilt British light cavalry officer's sword (sold)

Very good condition, good clear blue & gilt etch remaining, pre-1803, 1796 Pattern British light cavalry officer's sabre with scabbard.

An early 1796 Pattern British light cavalry officer's sabre / sword, as the exceptionally curved blade indicates (and implies this sabre was for a senior officer). Marked "Warranted" to cutlers "Gibson, Thomson & Craig", this sword could only have been produced between 1798 and 1803, as that company closed in 1803. Likely though not certain to be a Solingen Runkel made blade, this sabre retains a great deal of its fine original blue and gilt etching, which looks stunning with the original gilt and black leather (matching the black leather grip) scabbard, which is in remarkably good shape given its age. The blade is firm in the hilt, the grip is firm and in good condition, the ring bindings are all present and correct.

The 30 inch (from tip to nearest hilt section) blade is complete, original and actually longer of course (the curve of the blade means the actual blade length is more). Some of the gilt has been rubbed off of the hilt, there are a few patina marks on the blade, there is a little "wobble" in the leather scabbard (but it is firm still). Very rare to find such an early version like this, which was made at the start of the Napoleonic Wars. Further pictures available upon request.