What's going on?

Jim McDougall · 6th December 2006, 04:16 PM

This is ineed a Revolutionary War sabre, probably by John Read of Birmingham, England. It is extremely rare to see a British sabre with this type hilt and especially the blade, which is of the British favored center point form of this period. These type blades are usually seen on the straight blade backswords of the 1770's, although James Wooley used it on his M1788 light cavalry sabres. The lion head pommel very much British.

John Read favored the gadrooned ivory grips as seen here, as well as the brass hilt with scrolled bar guard. I have seen a typical British officers cavalry sword by Read with straight center point backsword blade, and nearly identical hilt.It is incredible to see a scabbard present.

Beautiful example of a British officers sabre of Revolutionary War period, and that price was a bargain!! I've seen such swords go for lots more, and what appears to be a rare example such as this would seem to have gone for very high sum.

Best Regards,
Jim

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6th December 2006, 04:16 PM	#5
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,192	This is ineed a Revolutionary War sabre, probably by John Read of Birmingham, England. It is extremely rare to see a British sabre with this type hilt and especially the blade, which is of the British favored center point form of this period. These type blades are usually seen on the straight blade backswords of the 1770's, although James Wooley used it on his M1788 light cavalry sabres. The lion head pommel very much British. John Read favored the gadrooned ivory grips as seen here, as well as the brass hilt with scrolled bar guard. I have seen a typical British officers cavalry sword by Read with straight center point backsword blade, and nearly identical hilt.It is incredible to see a scabbard present. Beautiful example of a British officers sabre of Revolutionary War period, and that price was a bargain!! I've seen such swords go for lots more, and what appears to be a rare example such as this would seem to have gone for very high sum. Best Regards, Jim