EL7361 - This is a very mysterious and quite exceptional 18th century hussar/light cavalry sabre, featuring a massive broad 38 inch long blade. The whole sword is of giant proportions. At first sight it could be described as a British 1788 pattern light cavalry sabre, but I strongly suspect that this is an earlier Austrian or Hungarian huzzar sabre, on which the later British 1788 pattern was based. I would therefore describe this as Central European, from around 1760-1790. The traditional scabbard style and construction supports this attribution, I think. The blade is just a shade uner 38 inches from guard to tip, and scaled up in proportion, so broad and heavy, with double fullers. It has been extensively service sharpened, and has a few small nicks in the edge. The hilt is equally large, with an iron stirrup guard and langets, and back piece with flat pommel end cap. The hilt is secured with a nut, with a bit of threaded tang protruding (which would assist restoration). There are some cosmetic issues to note: the leather of the scabbard has one patch of notable loss, the ribbed horn grip has some chips from it, particular where it meets one of the langets, and that langet while secure for decoration can be dislodged due to the brazing underneath having perished. But it is wedged fairly securely in place. There is a bit of movement in the hilt on the tang, and this is probably due to the loss of a leather washer. This sword would benefit from some minimal restoration to the hilt in my opinion, and this exceptional sword is priced according to the condition and rarity.
