An iconic Napoleonic Wars period 1796 Light Cavalry Sabre made by Thomas Hadley of Birmingham between 1796 and 1808.
The 815mm curved blade has a flat spine above a wide, shallow fuller and terminates in a hatchet point. The blade was service sharpened and is in very good condition. The forte is stamped with a Board of Ordnance inspection/ownership mark of a crown over the partial number two and the spine is marked with the maker’s name, Hadley & S.C. The blade retains its original washer.
The iron stirrup hilt is bright and in good condition with cleaned, shallow pitting. The wooden grip retains only remnants of its leather covering within the grooves, the wear testament to its use. The wooden grip remains in good condition and is strong and without movement. The blade is firm in the hilt.
The sabre is complete with its iron scabbard with two loose suspension rings. The scabbard is in overall good condition and retains its wooden lining. The scabbard has cleaned, shallow pitting along its length.
The sword sheaths and draws smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard.
Overall, this is a very nice example of a Napoleonic/Peninsular Wars period light cavalry sabre by a renowned Birmingham maker.
