Original British Napoleonic Regimental Bandman’s Saber with Scabbard & Shrapnel Strike on Handle - Purportedly Recovered from Waterloo Battlefield in 1815

Original Item. One-of-a-Kind. This is an outstanding early 19th Century British Bandsman’s Saber with its original all-brass scabbard. The handle of this example shows a heavy denting which could only be achieved through shrapnel damage. This saber came to us with the claim that it was recovered on the field of battle following the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. While this saber is correct for that period, we have no documentation to back up this claim.

This tremendous saber has a heavy all-brass hilt with a lion’s head pommel with a small triangular ring in his maw, which would have originally held a chain tassel. This sabre is an early model, with style elements harking back to Classical themes. It may commemorate either Nelson’s victory at Trafalgar and/or the Alexandria Campaign of 1807. The bend guillons give it a Near Eastern, Mameluke, touch. The chape depicts a motif of musical instruments and sheet music on both sides.

The roughly 27¾” blade shows heavy service wear and oxidation spotting, mostly near the tip. There is evidence of past oxidation being cleaned away, but there is still heavy rust spotting at the ricasso.

The heavy brass handle has a heavy indent which could only be achieved through shrapnel damage. This example certainly appears to be a battlefield pickup. The overall length is roughly 34¼”.

The original all-brass scabbard is in fair overall condition with very heavy cracking and denting, with what appears to be a very old period repair towards the drag. The scabbard is overall 28½” and retains both suspension rings. There is still heavy cracking towards the center which should be monitored.

This is an extremely scarce offering, the first saber of this model we’ve ever offered, compounded with the claim that it was recovered at the Waterloo battlefield. Comes ready for further research and display!

Dimensions:
Blade length: 27 3/4”
Overall length: 34 1/4”
Scabbard length: 28 1/2”