EL6491 - A British Napoleonic era infantry officer's sabre. Featuring a 1796 light cavalry-inspired hilt, this probably dates from 1796 to around 1805. Sabres like this were non-regulation, but highly popular as fighting swords for officers on foot, such as line infantry, light infantry and Rifles. This is the kind of sabre that Sharpe would have had before inheriting his 1796 heavy cavalry sword! The highly curved blade is 28 inches long, which is quite a common length for this type. The hilt is in good condition, with nice blueing and excellent condition shagreen covering to the grip. The silver grip wire is still present, though it probably had a couple more strands originally. The scabbard is now absent, but would probably have been leather with iron fittings. A very attractive sword in very good condition, feels great in the hand.
