1788 light cavalry sabre

Ken Maddock · 14th November 2015, 02:43 PM

Hi
I picked up a 1788 light cavalry sabre, complete in its scabbard, re painted scabbard but complete
Blade has some pitting but a nice sword to get in any shape and I am happy to have it. These do not come up too often in Ireland and I understand they are reasonably valuable

There is no makers name on the sword
The grip is an obvious replacement but it is done a long time ago the peening is quiet old and looks to be of some age and the leather is rock solid
The guard wobbles a bit as per normal on this age sword
I have in the past done some work on 1796 LC with replacing grips, I am reasonable adept at fashioning replacement grips and fitting in without disassembling the sword.
I have included an example of my work on a 1796 LC, would anyone care to comment if I should fashion better replacement or leave well enough alone
Regards to all
Ken

Ken Maddock · 14th November 2015, 02:47 PM

Peening on 1788

Miguel · 15th November 2015, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ken Maddock

Peening on 1788

Hi Ken,
I am not qualified to give advice on whether or not you should replace the grips on your 1788 pattern sword as I do not know how the value would be affected, if this is a criteria, but if you can replace them as well as you have replaced the grips on the LC 1796 sword I personally would not hesitate as I think you have done a splendid job only wish that I could do as good.
I'm really glad that you have posted this thread as I have a similar situation with a HC 1796 pattern sword and would welcome your advice on how to remove the hilt from the sword as although the disc and knuckle guard are loose the grips have no movement at all and the pin through the ears and tang is seized in the tang. I have tried to remove the pin but am concerned that I may split the grips. You mentioned that you fashioned and fitted your grips without dissembling the hilt and I would really like to know how this was achieved. I will post some photos of my sword in the next day or so in order that you may better answer, hopefully assuming
that you will.

Regards
Miguel

Miguel · 17th November 2015, 08:18 PM

Here are the photos of my 1796 Patt HC sword as promised. You can see how the hilt and scabbard are affected by corrosion although the blade is pretty good considering the age. I would be grateful for your advice on repairs to the hilt and scabbard depending on whether you think it worthwhile or better to leave well alone. Any comments and or advice from other members would also be appreciated.
Thank you.
Miguel

Ken Maddock · 17th November 2015, 10:37 PM

Hi
Nice sword, a lot of original grip in plaid, I have only replaced completely missing grips, having all the original timber there would be something I would be very slow to move
I will do a few sketches of how I approach the problem tomorrow
I have no photographs of how I approach the job to hand but I will have a look and see what I come up with on the cameras memory
I will put this on the forum in the next day or so
Regards
Ken

Jim McDougall · 18th November 2015, 07:34 PM

The M1788, like many of these once quite common early British cavalry swords, are now becoming quite rare. Naturally this would be presumed due to their being absorbed into collections and now static.

The restoration work you discuss and show here is remarkable, and most of all I admire your restraint. As a historian far more than collector, I favor maintaining and preserving a sword in as much original condition as possible aside from stabilizing any progressive corrosion and stabilizing broken or damaged components.
Over the years I have owned many swords which were passed over by collectors for their terrible condition. For me, these factors offered exciting opportunities to forensically study each weapon and learn from the often extremely subdued clues. I have found key regimental markings and details obscured and barely visible under patination which would have been lost to any vigorous cleaning.

I wanted to express this view toward restoration as a matter of inclusion and again, thank you for the sincere and respectful position on same you clearly afford these old warriors. Nicely done.

14th November 2015, 02:43 PM	#1
Ken Maddock Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Ireland Posts: 104	1788 light cavalry sabre Hi I picked up a 1788 light cavalry sabre, complete in its scabbard, re painted scabbard but complete Blade has some pitting but a nice sword to get in any shape and I am happy to have it. These do not come up too often in Ireland and I understand they are reasonably valuable There is no makers name on the sword The grip is an obvious replacement but it is done a long time ago the peening is quiet old and looks to be of some age and the leather is rock solid The guard wobbles a bit as per normal on this age sword I have in the past done some work on 1796 LC with replacing grips, I am reasonable adept at fashioning replacement grips and fitting in without disassembling the sword. I have included an example of my work on a 1796 LC, would anyone care to comment if I should fashion better replacement or leave well enough alone Regards to all Ken Attached Images

14th November 2015, 02:47 PM	#2
Ken Maddock Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Ireland Posts: 104	Peening on 1788 Attached Images

17th November 2015, 08:18 PM	#4
Miguel Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Posts: 584	Here are the photos of my 1796 Patt HC sword as promised. You can see how the hilt and scabbard are affected by corrosion although the blade is pretty good considering the age. I would be grateful for your advice on repairs to the hilt and scabbard depending on whether you think it worthwhile or better to leave well alone. Any comments and or advice from other members would also be appreciated. Thank you. Miguel Attached Images

17th November 2015, 10:37 PM	#5
Ken Maddock Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Ireland Posts: 104	Hi Nice sword, a lot of original grip in plaid, I have only replaced completely missing grips, having all the original timber there would be something I would be very slow to move I will do a few sketches of how I approach the problem tomorrow I have no photographs of how I approach the job to hand but I will have a look and see what I come up with on the cameras memory I will put this on the forum in the next day or so Regards Ken

18th November 2015, 07:34 PM	#6
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 9,945	The M1788, like many of these once quite common early British cavalry swords, are now becoming quite rare. Naturally this would be presumed due to their being absorbed into collections and now static. The restoration work you discuss and show here is remarkable, and most of all I admire your restraint. As a historian far more than collector, I favor maintaining and preserving a sword in as much original condition as possible aside from stabilizing any progressive corrosion and stabilizing broken or damaged components. Over the years I have owned many swords which were passed over by collectors for their terrible condition. For me, these factors offered exciting opportunities to forensically study each weapon and learn from the often extremely subdued clues. I have found key regimental markings and details obscured and barely visible under patination which would have been lost to any vigorous cleaning. I wanted to express this view toward restoration as a matter of inclusion and again, thank you for the sincere and respectful position on same you clearly afford these old warriors. Nicely done.