This 1820 pattern variant Coast Guards’ cutlass was made by Francis Deakin between 1820 and 1830. The sword differs from the usual 1820 pattern for coast guards in the absence of a side bar to the guard and bears a striking resemblance to the later, 1896 pattern Mountain battery sabre of the British Indian army. The only real difference between the swords being that the scabbard for the mountain battery sabre is designed to be worn with the swords’ curve pointing backwards as opposed to forwards, which is the way other curved swords are worn. This was to facilitate kneeling while wearing the sabre and manning the guns. Robson in “Swords of the British Army” suggests that ex-coast guard sabres were used by the Indian mountain battery units prior to the development of their own pattern.
The 760mm curved blade is very similar to the 1796 pattern light cavalry blade. The single-edged blade has a broad fuller below a flat spine and terminates in a hatchet point. The blade is in good condition with a pale speckled patina.
The sabre is complete with its black lacquered wooden scabbard with brass locket and chape. The locket is stamped on the back with “Deakin Patent.” The chape has a small hole on the bottom but is otherwise in good condition. The sword sheathes and draws smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard.
This is a great example of a scarce coast guard cutlass dating to between 1820 and 1830.
£550.00
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