1796 British Light Cavalry Sword For Review

[AirMechanic]

I was recently offered a chance to buy this sword, although I have not seen it in person yet. I only have the photos of the sword to go by. I believe that it is a 1796 British Light Cavalry sword. Based on my preliminary internet research, the maker's mark on the scabbard indicates that this sword (or at least the scabbard) was made between 1796 and 1798, and thus is a very early production of these swords.

Can anyone tell me if the information that I posted above is correct? Also, is this a trooper's version or officer's version of this sword?

Lastly, what would be a ball park value for a sword in this condition (the grip is missing the leather wrap, as the wood underneath is all that is left)? I have seen swords that that either sold or had asking prices from about $500 - $1500 on eBay and the internet. Does the fact that this is a very early production of this sword increase its value?

Any help is appreciated!

[AirMechanic]

Blade

[ROBB]

Scabbard looks good ( would need to see the drag ( the bottom bit ) the sword I have my doubts apart from it having a bashed up blade edge and knackered handle , I have never see one with square langets and missing the bit of metal that comes into the handle from the edge . Rob

[ROBB]

http://www.cmmilitaryantiques.com/gallery.php?arid=9387


similar scabbard . Rob

[RJKG]

I possess a verified 1796 LC sabre which lacks the metal 'ears' overlapping the hilt, and believe that this was quite a common design variation, especially amongst officers' swords.

[ROBB]

An interesting post on 1796 swords . https://sbg-sword-forum.forums.net/t...cavalry-sabres

Yes i see there were varieties without the "ears" I notice on the one posted that there does not seem to be a fuller ? Rob

[AirMechanic]

Thanks for all the info. I finally saw the sword in person and decided to pass on it. The edge of the blade had some areas that were really jagged, probably from kids “swordfighting” with it decades ago. The only marking on the blade was an elongated oval impressed stamp with symbols or letters (I couldn’t make it out) that was on the back edge of the sword just above the cross guard. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to get a picture at the time.