This is a highly curved example of a pre-regulation Infantry Light company/Flank officer’s sabre dating from between 1796 and 1804. The Flank companies of the British army were the Grenadiers and Light companies, including the newly formed Rifle companies of which the famous 95th Rifles was the first.
The grenadiers and light companies of a battalion were considered the elite of these infantry regiments, often fighting out in front of the main army as skirmishers. Grenadiers were also the senior company of any infantry battalion and would typically lead an assault.
The added risk associated with skirmishing meant that flank company officers needed a more robust fighting sword than the standard (and unpopular) 1796 infantry spadroon. Despite regulations, flank officers turned to using sabres.
The 670mm curved blade has a single edge with a flat spine. The blade is double-edged for the final 170mm and terminates in a hatchet point. Both upper and lower edges were service sharpened. The blade retains only faint traces of its etching.
The blade is in good condition with only a few small spots of shallow pitting and an even, pale patina. There are some tiny nicks along the edge consistent with use and the blade remains sharp.
The gilt metal stirrup hilt is in great condition and retains much of its original gilding. The shagreen grip has an excellent colour and is in good condition, retaining its silver wire. The blade is firm in the hilt.
The sabre is complete with its leather scabbard with gilt metal mounts. The scabbard is in good condition, the leather having been professionally replaced. The fittings retain some gilding with a great patina. The locket bears the cutlers details; Cattle & Barber, York. The sabre sheathes and draws smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard.
This is a beautiful and scarce, highly curved pre-regulation flank officer’s sabre from the Peninsular and Napoleonic Wars period.
