1803 Pattern Infantry Officer's Sabre by Osborn & Gunby

EL6126 - A Napoleonic era 1803 pattern infantry officer's sabre by top maker Osborn & Gunby (marked 'warranted').

In average to good condition, this is a top quality sword that would be worth easily double if it were in better condition. The blade has dark patina all over from light corrosion, though despite this the engraving and some gilding remains, clearly showing the maker's name and several other motifs. The blade is service sharpened and carries a number of little edge nicks which do correspond to combat evidence, though obviously I cannot verify that they were got in war rather than messing around - they appear of the same heritage as the sword anyway. The hilt is pretty firm on the hilt, with only a tiny bit of movement in the guard. The hilt is in very nice condition, with all the brass fittings in good shape for a 200 year old sword and amazingly the grip leather and wire in very good condition also.

This is a lovely quality sword and feels great in the hand - you just have to accept its wear and tear as part of its history and it would be hard to find another example of this quality for less.