Mervyn Mitton Posted September 22, 2011 Share Posted September 22, 2011 I bought this old sword on Monday - it is the O/R's 1796 pattern light cavalry sword. A standard set of patterns for British swords was only established in the 1780's - prior to that each arm of service had their own style - and this could extend to individual Regiments. Officer's swords for Light Cavalry had half blueing on the blade and an intricate design in gold . There are no markings at all on the sword - I can only put this down to wear and polishing over 215 years. However, at that time, many swords for the British Army were made in Germany and this could well be one of those. There were two patterns with slight differences and I have shown the photo ref. from Robson's British Swords - probably the main book on the subject. I have also shown the details of length and weight which he gives. The main difference between the two is the one on the left (as does mine ) has Langets on either side. These really go back to fencing when you tried to trap your opponent's sword - they still offer some protection to another sword sliding down your blade. I am hoping to find a correct scabbard - probably going to be difficult, but, let me know if you have any contacts. Mervyn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mervyn Mitton Posted September 22, 2011 Author Share Posted September 22, 2011 Hilt and grip. Not bad for 215 years old - the leather grip is still in excellent condition. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mervyn Mitton Posted September 22, 2011 Author Share Posted September 22, 2011 Showing the reverse. The langet shows clearly Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mervyn Mitton Posted September 22, 2011 Author Share Posted September 22, 2011 This shows clearly the curve of the blade - allowing for a 'sweeping ' action from the horse. Note how the blade swells from about 10 inches from the point - and is double edged at that part. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mervyn Mitton Posted September 22, 2011 Author Share Posted September 22, 2011 From Robson's Book. The two patterns Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mervyn Mitton Posted September 22, 2011 Author Share Posted September 22, 2011 Robson's details. The sword weighs 2.2 lbs. (1 kilo) The scabbard was heavier. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonathan Hopkins Posted September 22, 2011 Share Posted September 22, 2011 Mervyn, I think you may have a plain officer's sword (or the decoration has been polished away). Troopers' swords did not have wire binding on the grips and they tended to have plain half-circle ears on the back strap. This would also explain the lack of government markings. I also have a plain officer's P1796 LC sword (scabbard is associated and not original to the sword) marked J.J. Runklel Solingen on the spine: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spasm Posted September 22, 2011 Share Posted September 22, 2011 (edited) Mervyn How great is that - it's the famous or rather infamous 1796LCS and gives us the story that the French made an official complaint about its ruthless efficiency and the terrible wounds it inflicted. I think I'm right in saying that an "official" complaint was never made - it's a sort of early urban myth. But references are made in books - (the 1796LCS) "earned a unique compliment from a French Commander who protested against the fearful wounds it inflicted" - from the book 'The Life of General Le Marchant'. Probably French officers discussing the sword amongst themselves rather than making any complaint to Horseguards. I also think Brian Robson makes some form of reference to the complaint in his book. I'll keep a look out for a scabbard. Spaz Edited September 22, 2011 by Spasm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mervyn Mitton Posted September 22, 2011 Author Share Posted September 22, 2011 Thankyou Jonathan - I knew there was a reason we kept you ! Actually, seeing your design of the grip holder confirms that it is probably German. They always seem to vary. I don't think I've ever seen a plain officer's one and Robson doesn't make it clear. Anyway - thankyou for that info.. I hope you are well and giving them 'hell' on your sword forum ? Mervyn Steve - I wouldn't like to be at the receiving end of this sword - I think it has a much better balance then the 1853 and 1864 varients. The French always complain - if they didn't like it they should have surrendered - as they were supposed to do ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spasm Posted September 22, 2011 Share Posted September 22, 2011 "The French always complain - if they didn't like it they should have surrendered - as they were supposed to do !" :lol: Nice one :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonathan Hopkins Posted September 22, 2011 Share Posted September 22, 2011 (edited) I don't recall if the alleged complaint is covered here, but for further reading on the 1796 patterns I highly recommend the articles by Richard Dellar which are online here: http://www.swordsand...ageNum=1&aID=10 It is possible that you sword (and mine) were actually assembled in England with English-made hilts and German blades. Edited September 22, 2011 by Jonathan Hopkins Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nunquam retrorsum Posted June 20, 2012 Share Posted June 20, 2012 (edited) Hallo guys, verry nice sabers so and a verry good link , i have a 1796 too, it belonged to an brunswick officer, it is missing the scabbert, did you guys know a collector or dealer where i can ask ? I think we have a lot of collectors here from the UK so i think it shut be possible to find a scabbert for it. regards Marc Edited June 20, 2012 by Nunquam retrorsum Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mervyn Mitton Posted June 20, 2012 Author Share Posted June 20, 2012 Welcome Marc - if anyone does have a spare scabbard, then you get first choice - I'll ttry to buy the second one ! Do have a big sword collection - try and post a few to show us ? Mervyn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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