EL6939 - An early Napoleonic era 1788 pattern light cavalry trooper's sabre for the 7th Queen's Own Light Dragoons, by Woolley & Co. The regiment became the 7th Queen's Own Hussars in 1807 (having been designated as light dragoons in 1783), but of course this sword pre-dates that, dating to between 1788 and 1796 (possibly between 1790 and 1796 according to the manufacturer adding "& Co"). That makes this a rather scarce sword, and these would have been quite quickly replaced after the introduction of the 1796 pattern sabre. The 35.5 inch blade is in good condition, with patina, and very clearly engraved regimental designation. It is firm in the hilt and has been service sharpened. The hilt is overall in good condition, but the grip has obviously been replaced with a plain wooden one in period. This seems to be original, or at least very old, as the peen/rivet at the end of the hilt has the same patina as the rest of the sword and does not appear to have been messed around with. While this plain replaced grip obviously affects the price, it does seem to be part of the sword's history and is all solid, with only a tiny bit of movement in the stirrup-guard (but not in the rest of the grip). No scabbard. A great handling sword, but a top maker of the day to an interesting regiment.
