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Old 16th August 2025, 06:34 AM   #6
Jim McDougall
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Location: Route 66
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In this period of British sword making, technically there were no 'patterns' until 1796. Through the 18th century British cavalry were dragoons, and the favored swords were basket hilt types, with some variations in form, always straight blades

In the late 1750s there were moves toward light cavalry following European hussars with lighter swords. While Europeans used sabers, the British decided on lighter swords keeping straight blades. These were of the form termed four slot guards and several units of cavalry were appointed 'light dragoons'. By the 1770s these types of swords were in use, but not in any official pattern.

The first image is one of these by Thomas Gill, the date unclear, but GILL is stamped on the blade forte.....on the tang is a TG under crown (as seen in next photo on different sword).

In these times it seems unclear on the marking of blades, and again no strict regulation on application.

Next photo is a Thomas Gill spadroon (as previously mentioned). These were infantry officers swords of 1780s+.

Next image one of the four slot light dragoon swords 1770s

Next photo is a brass stirrup hilt with straight blade clipped point which has become considered by many a 1780 type which was to light dragoons, and following European saber hilt styling. Few of these were apparently issued, possibly to 15th Light Dragoons ?

By 1788, the first unofficial 'pattern' was developed following European hussar style and now with saber blades. The first by Gill seems to follow German style, the next by Wooley French style.

It seems doubtful to me that this was a pre pattern British style, but a later sword perhaps for other ranks, militia etc. using an 18th century blade, noting the wide back fuller. Perhaps the mark is actually TG under crown?
The curled in quillon is most unusual.

The relatively short blade does goes against cavalry swords of this period of 18th century, by then the call was for longer blades, some up to 39".
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