Is the British 1796 Pattern Light Cavalry Trooper's Sabre similar to the sabre carried by the Prussian Army Marshal Gebhard Leberecht von Blücher?
[ Linked Image ]

The Prussian M1811 "Blucher" saber is a copy the P1796 LC sword. The M1811 is often mistaken for the P1796. The hilt on the M1811 is a bit beefier and can often have extensive regimental markings in the cross guard. Also, the scabbard drag on the M1811 is angular and projects further from the scabbard than does the very minimal drag that is found on the P1796. See the attached photos for a comparison of the scabbard drags.

Jonathan

---

 Attachment: 14.26 KB

Prussian M1811

 Attachment: 36 KB

British P1796

The statue of Blucher in Rostock depicts him holding a sword that highly resembles the 1796.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/a/a7/Blucherstatue.JPG
Since he was an active Hussar for most of his career, it seems reasonable that Blucher would opt to keep carrying the practical and effective light cavalry saber even as a field marshal rather than use a more ornate and delicate "officer style" sword. Of course he might have had more than one type of sword, for all those dress uniform occasions.

Most British cavalry officers of the period would have owned at least two swords: one for active service and one for dress. The mameluke hilt was fashionable for dress for light cavalry officers, whereas the heavy cavalry officers carried a regulation dress sword, the Pattern 1796 Heavy Cavalry Officer's Dress Sword.

1796 Heavy Cavalry Dress Sword
[ Linked Image ]

So this is how the Prussian M1811 Blücher sabre looks like:

[ Linked Image ]

Shahril,
That is probably a similar sword from another German state, or a variant of the M1811. This is the Prussian M1811 Blucher Sabel:

[ Linked Image ]

To be exact, here is a copy of the Prussian M1811 Blücher Sabre from me:
[ Linked Image ]
Peter,
The person in the Bayern Munich jersey who appears in my avatar wasn't actually me. That is the German soccer star Miroslav Klose. I am from Malaysia, not Germany.

What do I have here is another British Light Cavalry P1796 Sword and it shows no markings on both the sword itself or the scabbard. Traces of leather wrap remain on the grip with no wire. There are several nicks in the blade, otherwise in very good condition. This sword was used during the Napoleonic Wars a decade later.
[ Linked Image ]

One more British P1796 Light Cavalry Trooper's Sabre from me, reproduced in 1810. It is a nice example, if somewhat overcleaned, of its type, marked 'Dawes Birmingham' at forte with the inspector's stamp of a crown over the number 6. This stamp changed its format circa 1820 to a three-part stamp which included a letter indicating where the inspection had taken place.
[ Linked Image ]

Hmph! Heres another image that didnt go thru.

---

 Attachment: 67.48 KB
[ Download ]

Morgan,
These were often carried by officers of flank companies and by light infantry and rifle officers. They fancied themselves to be different and elite and many officers wore sabers that were similar to light cavalry/hussars swords. The saber you have posted is an example of such a sword. These were not ever a regulation pattern, but can be said to be in the style of the 1796 light cavalry sword. The Pattern 1803 Infantry Officer's Sword was the regulation sword for flank and light infantry officers.

Jonathan

Pattern 1803:

This picture you've put up reminds me of an 18/ cen. hussar officers saber that someone has for sale here in my home town. Its 850.00 without the scabbard. The ivory grip is a bit loose but it looks very much the same as the one above. The blade on the one I am referring to, has the George the 3rd/ "beehive" chisled on the blade. Hmm. I wonder if its a "flank officer" sword as well. Definately a custom hilt that an officer had made for himself. Beautiful pic!

As a matter of fact, the dealer had two swords originally, one with a ray-skin grip that sold earlier just like that pic, so in fact I believe the sword I was talking about is the same one! It had a lionshead just like that. The blade had engraving however and a nice yellowed ivory grip. Very Interesting! I'll have to see about a layaway plan.

[ Linked Image ]

[ Linked Image ]

Here is a good 1796 Pattern British Light Cavalry Trooper's sword with a curved, single-edged 32 1/2 inch blade with a broad fuller. The blade is marked on the spine with the maker's name Woolley & Deakin (the name is also engraved on the scabbard.) The sword has a regulation stirrup hilt with a ribbed leather-covered grip. It is contained in its original steel scabbard. A classic sword from the Waterloo period.

This is a picture of a sword I found in my attic. It looks very much like the ones discussed in this thread a British 1796 Blucher saber?

The sword is in poor - but original condition and the bit that you hold seems to have rotted away.

The scabbard is rusty but the blade is still frighteningly sharp.

Does anybody know how best to clean / preserve the sword and scabbard? Is it worth having the handle restored or is it best kept in its 'found' condition.

Simon

---

 Attachment: 86.89 KB
Sword and Scabbard [ Download ]

 Attachment: 68.57 KB
Handle [ Download ]