1796 PATTERN LIGHT CAVALRY OFFICER'S SWORD

Ian Knight · 1st April 2011, 10:37 AM

Beautiful P1796 Alexander.

Ian

Jim McDougall · 1st April 2011, 11:04 AM

Alexander, I just wanted to reiterate that what I am saying about the 10th Hussar sabre is that the majority of these (which is around 27 of around 41 made) were made by Prosser. Since they carry certain distinct characteristics that are seen in your sabre I am suggesting that it might have been sort of a prototype for what became this custom design for the officers of the 10th Hussars and very well might have been made by Prosser prior to around 1807.

I do hope we might learn more about this sabres provenance as these are truly one of the most exciting patterns of the British cavalry sword, and are known to have remained in use longer than often believed. As far as the regulation patterns in the British army, this was officially the first pattern light cavalry sabre (despite the M1788 being well established ). It was superceded officially by the M1821 light cavalry sabre (M1822 for officers) but the M1796 retained its favor long afterwards, particularly in India and some of the other colonial regions as well as yeomanry units.

Ian, its great to see you! I had mentioned Richard in noting particular expertise in British regulation swords, and should have mentioned you as well.
You have always seemed to come up with amazing examples of the British cavalry patterns, and your posts through the years are full of outstanding reading on them.

All best regards,
Jim

Richard · 26th April 2011, 09:06 PM

Hello Jim and all, sorry to come late into this thread. Here are two swords both by Prosser which have pretty similar hilts. Both have etched blades rather than blue & gilt. The top sword bears the markings of the 16th Queen's Light Dragoons (XVI QLD) and is by Prosser Maker to the Prince Regent. That positively dates it between 1811 when the regency was declared and January 1816 when the 16LD were converted to Lancers. The second sword belonged to an officer of the 1st regiment of Bombay Light Cavalry. I date this around 1818 - 1827.

So Alexander, you have a 1796 light cavalry sword with a hilt in the style of Prosser which I would date about 1814-15. The blade decoration (from the little we can see) however does look distinctly un-British. Is there a GR cipher? or Royal Arms?

Hey Jim, how are you keeping?

Richard.

Richard · 26th April 2011, 09:13 PM

And Jim, here's a better photo of Lambton's sword

Jim McDougall · 26th April 2011, 11:54 PM

Hi Richard,
Thank you so much for coming in!!! and especially for sharing the photos of these fantastic swords, especially Lambtons.
All the very best,
Jim

26th April 2011, 09:06 PM	#3
Richard Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Aquae Sulis, UK Posts: 46	Hello Jim and all, sorry to come late into this thread. Here are two swords both by Prosser which have pretty similar hilts. Both have etched blades rather than blue & gilt. The top sword bears the markings of the 16th Queen's Light Dragoons (XVI QLD) and is by Prosser Maker to the Prince Regent. That positively dates it between 1811 when the regency was declared and January 1816 when the 16LD were converted to Lancers. The second sword belonged to an officer of the 1st regiment of Bombay Light Cavalry. I date this around 1818 - 1827. So Alexander, you have a 1796 light cavalry sword with a hilt in the style of Prosser which I would date about 1814-15. The blade decoration (from the little we can see) however does look distinctly un-British. Is there a GR cipher? or Royal Arms? Hey Jim, how are you keeping? Richard. Attached Images

26th April 2011, 09:13 PM	#4
Richard Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Aquae Sulis, UK Posts: 46	And Jim, here's a better photo of Lambton's sword Attached Images

1st April 2011, 10:37 AM	#1
Ian Knight Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: East Sussex, England. Posts: 103	Beautiful P1796 Alexander. Ian

1st April 2011, 11:04 AM	#2
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,295	Alexander, I just wanted to reiterate that what I am saying about the 10th Hussar sabre is that the majority of these (which is around 27 of around 41 made) were made by Prosser. Since they carry certain distinct characteristics that are seen in your sabre I am suggesting that it might have been sort of a prototype for what became this custom design for the officers of the 10th Hussars and very well might have been made by Prosser prior to around 1807. I do hope we might learn more about this sabres provenance as these are truly one of the most exciting patterns of the British cavalry sword, and are known to have remained in use longer than often believed. As far as the regulation patterns in the British army, this was officially the first pattern light cavalry sabre (despite the M1788 being well established ). It was superceded officially by the M1821 light cavalry sabre (M1822 for officers) but the M1796 retained its favor long afterwards, particularly in India and some of the other colonial regions as well as yeomanry units. Ian, its great to see you! I had mentioned Richard in noting particular expertise in British regulation swords, and should have mentioned you as well. You have always seemed to come up with amazing examples of the British cavalry patterns, and your posts through the years are full of outstanding reading on them. All best regards, Jim

26th April 2011, 11:54 PM	#5
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,295	Hi Richard, Thank you so much for coming in!!! and especially for sharing the photos of these fantastic swords, especially Lambtons. All the very best, Jim