1821 P British 3rd Dragoon Guards Trooper's Sabre (Sold)

A rare 1821 pattern heavy cavalry trooper's sabre with scabbard marked to the British 3rd (Prince of Wales') Dragoon Guards.

In overall good condition but having been allowed to rust at one point and then having been polished by a later owner and with a slightly shortened blade (clearly done within its service life). This impressive sword still looks the part and sheathes well, despite the fact trooper's swords had very long and harsh service lives. Still visible on the hilt's front bowl guard are the regiment, troop and sword / trooper number markings 3 D 44, although traces of other markings exist which I believe may be later markings to a yeomanry cavalry regiment. Such practices of passing swords from front line regiments down to reservists being very common and may well explain the shortening of the blade. The 3rd (Prince of Wales) Dragoon Guards fought with distinction and have battle honours for the Peninsula War against Napoleon's French army, though this sabre was made after 1821 so it not likely to have seen any action; the 3rd Dragoon Guards were on "police" duty in restive Ireland during the Crimean War when this type of sabre was still in use.

Slightly curved, fullered 34 inch blade is in good order, although a little pitted and then polished over, it is firm in the hilt and sheathes very well in the scabbard. The blade "cleaned" of its original markings. Additional photos available upon request.