December 10-13, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
The live portion of this session begins on Tuesday, December 10, 2024.
With the formation of the new light dragoon regiments in 1759 came the introduction of various hilt and blade forms, as these arms (unlike the firearms, which were issued direct from the Tower Armoury) were privately procured by the colonels of regiments and who purchased as dictated by pocketbook and personal taste, while adhering to the basic guidelines as dictated by the Crown. By the Revolutionary War, the blades had lengthened and there was much variation also in pattern of hilt, although Thomas Hinde (who served in the 21st Light Dragoons or Royal Foresters during the 7 Years' War), described the typical saber as “about 37 inches long in the blade, either crooked or straight according to the regulations of the Regiment” in his book, "The Discipline of the Light Horse" (1778). This rare example with original scabbard by noted sword cutler Nathaniel Jefferys of London features a nearly-straight, single-edged, unfullered blade 36.5 inches in length by 1 5/8 wide at ricasso and is stamped on both faces near the hilt with a "[crown]/GR/IEF/RIS". Measuring 43 78 inches long overall, it has a massive, japanned-iron, slotted hilt with shagreen over wood grip, its channels wrapped with silver ribbon and twisted wire--suggesting issue to a non-commissioned officer rather than a trooper. The leather scabbard has iron mounts consisting of a throat with chape and a drag.