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Title Roxburghshire Light Dragoon officer's sabre
Nationality Scottish
Period c 1797-1801
Sold

This sabre can be dated fairly precisely because the regiment was raised in 1797, while the coat of arms is the pre-1801 type. The regiment was specifically called a Yeomanry Light Dragoon regiment as against the Renfrewshire Yeomanry, where Light Dragoons were not mentioned in the title.

This is a transitional sabre, somewhere between the 1788 pattern (viz the shape of the blade) and the 1796 pattern (viz the shape of the hilt). The blade is maker marked 'WOOLLEY & Co', a Birmingham sword cutler. On one side there are the initials GR, while on the other are the initials RLD under a crown with thistles in between.

It would appear to have its original leather grip binding, with a single strand silver twisted wire service and a slot on the outside of the guard for the sword knot, an unusual feature rarely found on British swords of this era. The hilt and scabbard are lightly patinated throughout, but the grip does not appear to have been dismantled. The hanging rings have been replaced and there is an old hole in the base of the scabbard which has been filled with plastic metal. The blade (just over 33") is double-edged for nearly 11" at the point and is in good condition throughout. However, here are no traces of blued and gilt finish, so it is just possible that this was a plain etched blade in the first place. There is a nice vignette of a seated Britannia holding the 1801 arms in a shield at her side.

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


[Edged Weapons : Swords : Scottish : 18th Century]

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Ian Stokes, United Kingdom, 26.03.2019

Sword arrived today. Fabulous. This is an excellent example of a fighting sword of its period, and a real gem. The 1828 Pattern is such a gorgeous sword, and this is a fine example. Even my bride is impressed and she doesn’t really get swords.

G F, New Zealand, 06.11.2013

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