This scarce P1821 British Light Cavalry officer’s sabre bears the Royal Cypher of King William IV, dating it to between June 1830 and June 1837.
The 890mm pipe back blade is single-edged and terminates in a quill point. The slightly curved blade is double-edged for the last 250mm.
The blade is in excellent condition and is undecorated apart from King William IV’s crowned Royal cypher above laurels which is etched about a third of the way down the blade on both sides.
The steel three-bar cavalry guard is in excellent condition with minimal wear and marks from use. The plain steel back strap, with slightly raised, lozenge shaped thumb section is finished with a stepped oval pommel and peened tang.
The grip is strong and secure. The shagreen is in excellent condition and the three strands of twisted silver wire are intact and tight. The blade is firm in the hilt.
The steel scabbard is in fair to good condition and holds the sword well. The scabbard has three dents and a repair above the shoe but the polished steel remains bright and free of rust. The sword sheathes and draws smoothly.
This is a very fine example of a scarce 1821 pattern light cavalry sabre bearing the cypher of King William IV, who only reigned for seven years.
