It's 'Blog Post Monday' time again! Welcome, welcome one and all!
A while ago now I stumbled across a rather fascinating find which, for some reason, I've failed to mention before now. You'll know by now that I'm a big fan of miniature scale pieces, novelty pieces and curios. So when I found this piece, it ticked all the boxes. This is, or at least it looks very similar to, a 19th century French model 1822 light cavalry trooper's sabre in child size. An antique child size replica of the original! Now, what's the story behind this piece you ask...? Well, the truth is, we'll never know for sure, but I have some theories...
So, as always, get that kettle on, get your swords out and let's compare size and stories as we travel back to the 19th century.
Image: My 19th century child's replica of the French model 1822 light cavalry trooper's sabre
The sabre in question (pictured above and below) measures just 49 centimetres in length, with an unsharpened part blue blade and a scabbard. You can tell that it definitely has age, seemingly from the mid to late 19th century. It has some lovely intricate details like the hilt and the decorative elements to the scabbard.
Image: My 19th century child's replica of the French model 1822 light cavalry trooper's sabre
Research suggests that this sword may have been based on the French model 1822 light cavalry trooper's sabre or perhaps a slightly earlier model. This particular model is actually an important and iconic piece of weaponry. During the 19th century, France was a major world power and, on paper, the largest military power. Their swords were very well made and of fantastic quality, particularly if they were government made. France had monitored and centrally controlled arms factories.
Image: Original French model 1822 light cavalry sabre - from isellswords.com
Light cavalry duties were varied, from reconnaissance to skirmishing and they were sometimes called on for a full on charge. They were fast moving, hit and run, in and out. Strangely, however, they decided a sabre (a curved sword with an a-symmetrical point) was a good design for this purpose. I say strangely, because the light cavalry preferred to use the point of the sword as it was widely considered to be more useful. However, with a curved blade and an a-symmetrical point, this wasn't as easy. A sabre was more of a slashing and cutting blade.
Image: Original French model 1822 light cavalry sabre - from isellswords.com
It also had a brass hilt, which, despite being a heavy alternative to steel, meant that more ornate and decorative designs could be cast quickly during the 19th century. The grip was covered in leather with twisted wire down the length of it. This, combined with its shape (wide and then tapered towards the base) would have allowed the soldier to use a hammer grip, helping with edge alignment. The brass dish guard at the top of the handle and the base of the blade, which is characteristically French, offered a good amount of hand protection.
Image: My 19th century child's replica of the French model 1822 light cavalry trooper's sabre
The original sabre was a big heavy sword, with the blade measuring 92cm, with a total weight of approximately 1150 grams. If you compare this to my child's replica (pictured above), which measures 49cm in length and has a total weight of 250 grams, you really get an idea of how this replica was meant as nothing else but a child's toy.
Image: My 19th century child's replica of the French model 1822 light cavalry trooper's sabre
The only differences I can really see between the original sabre and my child's replica is the ornate detailing on the scabbard, the wide dish guard at the base of the blade and the fact that the brass pommel cap continues all the way up one side of the grip. These are what make me think my replica could be of a slightly earlier model.
Image: My 19th century child's replica of the French model 1822 light cavalry trooper's sabre
Regardless of which model it is, it surely has a fascinating story. My belief is that a soldier or officer of the French cavalry had it made for their child during the mid to late 19th century, perhaps as a birthday or Christmas present. Let me know what you think in the comments section below.
This rare piece is currently available to buy here
Image: My 19th century child's replica of the French model 1822 light cavalry trooper's sabre
Well, that's it for this week folks! I hope you've enjoyed this little insight into this fascinating 19th century child's replica sabre.
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Cheerio!
Stephen
Owner Source Vintage
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