Hi there,

Does anybody have a clue what this sword is? I think it's either a 1796 or a Blucher variant but I'm not entirely sure. The link is clickable by the way :-)

[ Linked Image ]

thanks,

Colin

Hi, Colin. This saber is not a British Pattern 1796 Light Cavalry sword, but a (I think) Prussian M1811 "Blucher" saber. The two patterns are similar, but the German hilts tend to be beefier, and are often quite profusely marked with regimental designations. There are some differences in the scabbards, too. The biggest difference being that the chape (a.k.a. drag) on the Blucher saber scabbard is quite pronounced and resembles a triangle with rounded corners.

Prussian scabbard:
[ Linked Image ]

British scabbard:
[ Linked Image ]

Prussian hilt:
[ Linked Image ]

British hilt:
[ Linked Image ]

Thanks Jonathan! I was asked what it was and from a quick glance automatically went 1796 LC, but found my self looking at it a bit more and going, hmmmm not quite right. I will go back and clarify the difference!