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Title Light Cavalry sabre, model 1811
Nationality Prussian
Period c 1807-13
Sold

This is essentially a British 1796 Light Cavalry sabre manufactured by the famous Birmingham cutler John Gill (marked 'I GILL' on the back of the forte), part of the export consignment which Prussia bought between 1807 and 1813, a total of 16,000 sabres. The Prussian Light Cavalry in the latter part of the Napoleonic Wars would have carried these.

The base of the scabbard is marked on the drag 57.1.L.H.R.2.E, S following on the reverse of the drag! It stands for 'weapon number 57, 1st Landwehr Hussaren, 2nd Squadron'. This regiment almost certainly fought at Leipzig in 1813, the campaign of France in 1814 and, finally, at Waterloo in 1815.

The leatherwork of the grip is mostly intact, with no plastic filler. However, the wood shows through in a number of places. The original leather washer/seating is intact.

The blade is a little on the scruffy side, with one severe edge nick and a couple of other minor nibbles. There is a bend in the blade about 6" from the point which has been straightened out, but the bruise remains. There are odd patches of pitting throughout the rest of the blade. The blade has never been out of the hilt and the whole weapon has had a thorough hand clean. The price reflects the condition of the blade. I would expect one of these with a good blade to fetch nearer ?700.



If you want to comment on this item—re quality, age, etc—please email me.


[Edged Weapons : Swords : Prussian : 19th Century]

testimonials

[From a vendor, rather than a buyer]

I'm delighted that you are happy with the badge and I hope you can sell it to someone who will value owning it.

I tried to sell it on eBay but they won't accept Nazi items. I then contacted several dealers via a Google search who mostly offered me £40-£50 after some haggling. Most of the other dealers tried to conceal its true value in their replies and also lacked manners which doesn't inspire confidence.

Ultimately it's about trust. I should think that most prospective sellers have done their own research and therefore know roughly what their item is worth. You were the only dealer who had the integrity to concede that my valuation was approximately correct and I respect your comment that you can't offer this as you need to make a profit. Your honest approach is greatly appreciated and I felt comfortable taking the risk in sending it to you.

Thank you for a smooth transaction

C D, UK, 01.07.2015

Found the item a little on the expensive side and a bit disappointed that you were unwilling to bend a bit on the price of the Officer's Tunic Eagle (half the fun of buying, after all, is the haggling), but impressed by the speed of delivery and the quality of the item. Was well worth it in the long run...

G F, UK, 30.08.2005

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