Ethiopian sword/spanish blade

[midelburgo]

This is a British 1796 blade marked CRAVEN with a Spanish hilt (1825 model I think). They were used in the first succession (carlista) civil war (c1836).

The carlista side had to find weapons outside of Spain.

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by midelburgo

This is a British 1796 blade marked CRAVEN with a Spanish hilt (1825 model I think). They were used in the first succession (carlista) civil war (c1836).

The carlista side had to find weapons outside of Spain.

Excellent and perfect illustration!!! Thank you. Thomas Craven was one of the early makers of both 1796 light and heavy cavalry blades.

[roanoa]

MY BAD..... I guess I should have posted measurements. The blade is neither 1796 British not 1811 Blucher. It is much lighter. All light cavalry swords (hussar type) look pretty much the same, but both the British 1796 and the Prussian/German 1811 are MASSIVE... I though that the picture was self explanatory as far as size was concerned, but I guess I was wrong. I'll posted measurements, if needed.

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by roanoa

MY BAD..... I guess I should have posted measurements. The blade is neither 1796 British not 1811 Blucher. It is much lighter. All light cavalry swords (hussar type) look pretty much the same, but both the British 1796 and the Prussian/German 1811 are MASSIVE... I though that the picture was self explanatory as far as size was concerned, but I guess I was wrong. I'll posted measurements, if needed.

Actually many of the M1796 blades for officers sabres were often much smaller than the troopers versions, I once had an Osborn officers sabre which had a blade of about 29". It was quite a contrast to the massive troopers blades as you note.

Still this could be as has been discussed, a blade from Germany intended for officers. It certainly would not be a British blade with these engraved markings as I think Midelburgo is right, there is no reason why these should not be authentic.