ELC1036 - A scarce and very desirable Osborn & Gunby light cavalry trooper's sword, featuring the famous double fuller and clipped-point. The falchion-like blade was an innovation of Osborn & Gunby in answer to the thrusting deficiencies of the standard 1796 pattern light cavalry sabre of the Napoleonic Wars. It was produced in small numbers for private purchase, in both Trooper and Officer versions. It is now one of the rarest variants of British light cavalry sabre and they do not come up for sale often. This is the Trooper's version and these were presumably purchased privately by high ranking officers to equip their men, as these do not carry government stamps. Osborn & Gunby's name is stamped into the spine of the blade near the hilt.
The blade is in excellent condition, bright and clean, firm in the hilt. The iron of the hilt and scabbard are dark with patina and this has been left uncleaned, but you can see from the scabbard where the langet overlaps it that the surface of the scabbard is smooth and clean underneath and these could be brightened up with careful restoration. The thin leather covering to the wooden grip is mostly worn away, presumably from use, and the edge of the sword has been service sharpened, so this sword was presumably taken on campaign. There is a chip to the wood of the grip (see photos), which could be restored relatively easily. There is a little bit of wiggle to the guard, but the rest of the hilt is firm on the tang.
A stunning and very rare sword, feels awesome in the hand.
