This rare 1821 style Light Cavalry trooper’s sabre was made by J. E. Bleckmann under a British East India Company contract. These swords were issued to troopers of the newly formed European cavalry Regiment, established to supress the Indian Mutiny. The European Cavalry Regiment was a volunteer regiment made up of European planters and ex-pats.
The sword follows the 1821 pattern British light cavalry officer’s sword in having a pipe-back blade, but differs significantly in having a folding section to the barred steel guard. The grip is black leather, without wire, in line with the British troopers’ model.
The 845mm pipe back blade is single-edged and terminates in a quill point. The slightly curved blade is double-edged for the last 200mm.
The plain blade is in excellent condition and is very sharp. The ricasso is stamped with the maker’s mark of J. E. Bleckmann of Solingen, Germany. The obverse is stamped with the Indian Government ownership mark, a Broad Arrow over the letter
I.
The steel three-bar cavalry guard is in excellent condition with minimal wear and marks from use. The folding section is in excellent condition and the action is crisp. The plain steel back strap, with slightly raised thumb section is finished with an oval pommel and peened tang.
The grip is strong and secure. The leather is in good condition with wear commensurate with use and age. The blade is firm in the hilt.
The sword is complete with its black leather scabbard with polished steel furniture. This is another departure from the standard British light cavalry sword, which has a steel scabbard. Steel was known to get very hot in the intense sun and heat of India, so leather was the better choice. The locket, middle band and chape are in great condition. The scabbard leather is also in very good condition with a small repair to the seam below the locket. The sword sheathes and draws smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard.
This is a very fine example of a rare British contract 1821 style Indian Mutiny light cavalry sabre.
