Milsurp After Hours

...............another slippery slope to a collection!
I was recently hooked by a post on BMF asking people to show their swords.
I got involved and thought I might have a look at the ones being sold on NaturaBuy.

This one was advertised as a British Cavalry Sabre Model 1829 and so I bid 80€. After it did not achieve reserve price the auction closed.

I had asked some questions on BMF and was assured that it was actually an 1821 Pattern Light Cavalry Sword that was well thought of by those in the know.

Next day it was re posted as an immediate but for 180€ including delivery.............I offered 165€ but was turned down. I also noticed a flow of questions!

Part of the information given on BMF was an unsolicited evaluation of the sword in the photographs, 780€ - 900€ ()$770 - $880)

I went back and bought it immediately.

I had also been recommended to buy a book covering the era - Pictorial History of Swords and Bayonets by Robert Wilkinson-Latham which I found on ABE Books for £8.87 including postage to France.

Feeling quite chuffed with myself at the moment

Cool. Nothing like a new hobby. A bit pricey ....but it's from 1821. The Charge of the Light Brigade was in 1854. Maybe they were using swords like that. If you could prove it was used in that charge.......see Antique Road Show I guess.

I've got a couple reproductions ...made in India... just for decoration. Maybe $25 each. The one showing is an 1860 cavalry saber ...sort of.

Some morte images from the seller......

A bit more information in the pot. It appears to be a Troopers Light Cavalry Sword - somewhat rarer than the Officers version. Differences marked by red circles.

Got any proof marks on it? Military acceptance marks? Factory mark?

I will have to wait until it arrives but I think it has.

It arrived yesterday - no markings that I can see but it is covered in varnish so first job - remove the varnish.......... .

https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/british ... 79#p226379

SAVES ME REPEATING MYSELF!!

There are several links to information online. Here's one with a lot of information.
http://myarmoury.com/talk/viewtopic.16863.html

I saw another link to one with a serial number on the spine of the blade up near the guard. Others have a Wilkinson Sword maker mark of a Star of David look to denote strength.

Those are officers swords, mine is a Troopers sword so would have been kept in the armoury and issued out to the first trooper to stand in line.