Unknown sabre

[cel7]

I saw this sabre in someone's collection. Does anyone know what it is? Don't have more photos unfortunately.

[fernando]

No comments, Gentlemen ?

[Jim McDougall]

With this little to go on, I would say this is probably a French Hussar officers saber of the 1790s into the Napoleonic period. The general style of the hilt, guard, langets all direct to that character.
It seems there may be bluing remaining on the blade which was also popular with European officers having this with gilt decorative motif.

Officers in general favored privately commissioned and flamboyant decorative swords with often elaborate designs and motif, and the French especially.
The elliptical shape of the langet, straight arm of the cross guard and the fluted pommel also seem to be French characteristics.

It is hard to say as other European countries in degree followed French designs, especially through the evolution of the 'hussar' light cavalry fashion of mid to latter 18th century.

Very attractive saber, and wish we had more photos and detail.
In short, it is certainly a European hussar officers saber, probably French, and likely of 1790s into Napoleonic period.

[cel7]

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

With this little to go on, I would say this is probably a French Hussar officers saber of the 1790s into the Napoleonic period. The general style of the hilt, guard, langets all direct to that character.
It seems there may be bluing remaining on the blade which was also popular with European officers having this with gilt decorative motif.

Officers in general favored privately commissioned and flamboyant decorative swords with often elaborate designs and motif, and the French especially.
The elliptical shape of the langet, straight arm of the cross guard and the fluted pommel also seem to be French characteristics.

It is hard to say as other European countries in degree followed French designs, especially through the evolution of the 'hussar' light cavalry fashion of mid to latter 18th century.

Very attractive saber, and wish we had more photos and detail.
In short, it is certainly a European hussar officers saber, probably French, and likely of 1790s into Napoleonic period.

Thanks Jim, a lot of useful information!

[Victrix]

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

With this little to go on, I would say this is probably a French Hussar officers saber of the 1790s into the Napoleonic period. The general style of the hilt, guard, langets all direct to that character.
It seems there may be bluing remaining on the blade which was also popular with European officers having this with gilt decorative motif.

Officers in general favored privately commissioned and flamboyant decorative swords with often elaborate designs and motif, and the French especially.
The elliptical shape of the langet, straight arm of the cross guard and the fluted pommel also seem to be French characteristics.

It is hard to say as other European countries in degree followed French designs, especially through the evolution of the 'hussar' light cavalry fashion of mid to latter 18th century.

Very attractive saber, and wish we had more photos and detail.
In short, it is certainly a European hussar officers saber, probably French, and likely of 1790s into Napoleonic period.

Yes, Jim’s comments all make sense. It would be helpful to see the gilt decorations on the blade.

[Norman McCormick]

Hi,
Again what Jim says makes sense. Without better photographs it's hard to say exactly and even then there was a plethora of individual styles in the late 18th early 19thC so could be difficult to pin down exactly.
Regards,
Norman.

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by Norman McCormick

Hi,
Again what Jim says makes sense. Without better photographs it's hard to say exactly and even then there was a plethora of individual styles in the late 18th early 19thC so could be difficult to pin down exactly.
Regards,
Norman.

Thank you Norman, exactly right, there were so many elaborations in the decorative motifs of these hussar officers sabers as fashion was key and there was considerable carte blanche' among them.
Wish I had the monumental series by Christian Aries (1966+) which seems to have been quite comprehensive on these (something like 16 volumes?).
Also the French magazine 'Armes Gazette' or ? has articles over 30 +years.

[cel7]

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

With this little to go on, I would say this is probably a French Hussar officers saber of the 1790s into the Napoleonic period. The general style of the hilt, guard, langets all direct to that character.
It seems there may be bluing remaining on the blade which was also popular with European officers having this with gilt decorative motif.

Officers in general favored privately commissioned and flamboyant decorative swords with often elaborate designs and motif, and the French especially.
The elliptical shape of the langet, straight arm of the cross guard and the fluted pommel also seem to be French characteristics.

It is hard to say as other European countries in degree followed French designs, especially through the evolution of the 'hussar' light cavalry fashion of mid to latter 18th century.

Very attractive saber, and wish we had more photos and detail.
In short, it is certainly a European hussar officers saber, probably French, and likely of 1790s into Napoleonic period.

Thank you, real interesting! I asked for more photo's but unfotunately he does not respond.

[ulfberth]

yes Jim is spot on ! its an hussar sabre , the hilt in the fashion of French old regime period , the blade probably directoire period , so between 1780-90's .
This is perfectly normal and these were worn like this during the whole Napoleonic period.
kind regards
Ulfberth