Dynogone

[dynogone]

The Osborn Flank Officer’s Sabre

Henry Osborn (C.1785-1808) is one of the most famous sword cutlers in Georgian Britain. He created the famous 1796 Patterns of cavalry swords, in collaboration with Major-General John Gaspard Le Marchant to create what he thought was the best sword. He partnered with John Gunby in 1808, becoming Osborn & Gunby (C.1808-1820). These sabres have an average of a 10cm curve. Used by Officer’s of the Light Cavalry and Infantry as a frock/dress/fighting sword. A 10cm curved blade is one of the most curved styles of sabre in British Regiments, being highly irregular, rare and practically unusable in fighting circumstances. These sabres were based off the famous, well-liked and popular 1796 Pattern Light Cavalry Sabre, but sized-down for infantry/dress. Also highly inspired by Shamshirs, following the 1798-1801 Egyptian Campaign, copying the Mameluke-style, being unfullered and highly curved. These have stirrup-hilts or D-guards and shamshir/fullered half-moon blades. The term ‘flank officer’ refers to the Flank Company's of Light Infantry and Grenadiers, but the term ‘flank officer’s sabre’ normally refers to a light-weight, highly curved officer’s sword of the Georgian-Period. Naval, Infantry, Cavalry, Army and Volunteer Officers etc. could all carry this type of sword via regulation. 

The 11th sword’s (L-R) scabbard is not made by Osborn but by J.S. Lowther, possibly originally had the red dot’s. The green dot fitting florals (twin tulip) only occur on steel mounts, while the red dots (3-pronged rose) only occur on brass mounts. The steel mounts could be earlier, but can’t say for now.

Stamps (bottom left) are found on the ricasso, Osborn being on the spine. The G stamp can occur once or twice on the ricasso. The bold G for Osborn/O&G and the thinner G for just Osborn and Gunby. The Osborn stamp only/tens to occur on un-etched versions, as it’s not needed when the name is etched onto the blade.

[dynogone]

[dynogone]

[dynogone]

Presentations - Antony Cribb 12-13 Jul 2022,

[dynogone]

Royal Arms ID (1714-1837)

Full - Main - Main Feature

[dynogone]

Evolution of the Prussian 1811 Model into the 1848 Model neuer/Art (n/A) Artillery Sabre

The 1811 Model ‘Blucher’ Sabre (C.1814-1870) is based off the very influential British 1796 Light Cavalry Sabre (C.1796-1821). Basically a copy with slight differences, being sturdier with thicker components. The Prussians were supplied with the 1796P in 1809, until they had their own model. Both models of swords were used at The Battle of Waterloo by General Blucher and Wellington’s troops. The 1811M sabre later influenced Uhlan/Ulan and Artillery swords, creating the 1848M ‘ArtillerieSabel‘, being thinner and lighter in weight. This was then modified into the 1848M n/A Artillery Sabre ‘MannshaftSabel‘ (C.1890s-1916). A shortened version of the 1848M with the second suspension ring removed and replaced with a side-ring. They also had both a leather and bakelite grip, the bakelite being a later modification. The last model is a copy of the n/A, (C.1914-1945), having no sword knot hole and a bakelite grip.

[dynogone]

The 1796 Pattern Cavalry Sabre suspension rings for Officer and Trooper variants

The trooper’s rings were also used on some officer’s scabbards, but are rarer then the standard. The trooper’s version was designed to be stronger, and to withstand harsher conditions in mounted and unmounted service. As being governmental owned weapons, they were overly-made. While the officer’s versions tend to fancier and lighter in weight.

[dynogone]

The Osborn Flank Officer’s Sabre

Henry Osborn (C.1785-1807) is one of the most famous sword cutlers in Georgian Britain. They partnered with John Gunby in 1808, becoming Osborn & Gunby (C.1808-1820). These are the known variants for the 10cm curve variation.  The term ‘flank officer’ refers to the Flank Company's of Light Infantry and Grenadiers, but the term ‘flank officer’s sabre’ normally refers to a light-weight, highly curved sword of the Georgian-Period. Naval, Infantry, Cavalry, Army and Volunteer Officers could all carry this type of sword via regulation. (Seen in other post)

[dynogone]

The British Police Constabulary Cutlass/Hanger Scabbard Catch Release Mechanisms (post 1850)

The scabbard catch for the constabulary/prison cutlass was developed in the mid 19th Century/early Victorian period, as a result of inmates easily removing them from the carrier and using it against them. They also provide additional security to sword, preventing it from easily falling out/mobility. These catches were also added onto most constabulary variants, e.g. coast guard, river police, dockyard, customs and riding constabulary. 

[victoriansword]

British Infantry Officer’s Sword, c.1800

Georgian Flank Company officer’s sword with heavily decorated 68cm curved blade, shagreen handle and leather scabbard, by H Osborn, Birmingham & Pall Mall, London.