This is an excellent 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 660mm curved blade has a single edge with a flat spine. The blade is double-edged for the final 220mm and terminates in a hatchet point. Both upper and lower edges were service sharpened. The blade is without etching, suggesting that it was intended as a fighting sword, as opposed to being an ornate example worn for dress occasions.
The blade is in excellent condition with only a few small spots of tarnish and retains its original polish. There are some tiny patches of pin-prick corrosion along the edge.
The steel stirrup hilt is in great condition and retains its polish. The horn grip has an excellent colour and is in great condition. The blade is firm in the hilt.
The sabre is complete with its steel scabbard with twin suspension rings. The scabbard is in excellent condition with a mild speckle of tarnish. The sabre sheathes and draws smoothly.
This is a beautiful and scarce, highly curved pre-regulation flank officer’s sabre from the reign of King George III, the Peninsular and Napoleonic Wars period.
