Unknown sabre

Jim McDougall · 22nd October 2020, 03:59 PM

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.

22nd October 2020, 03:59 PM	#3
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,286	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.