British pattern 1853 light cavalry saber. [Royal Small Arms Factory, Birmingham, England]: [Charles] Reeves, n.d. With "Reeves" mark to spine, Birmingham RSAF inspector's mark numbered 13 to ricasso, and inspector's mark and Birmingham anchor stamped to the edge of the blade above the guard. Marked "K.V.M.A. / 12" to knucklebow above sword knot slot. Blade 35 1/2 in. Overall 41 5/16 in.

 "K.V.M.A.," appearing just below the tear-shaped pommel, is, ostensibly, an abbreviation for the Kingston Volunteer Militia Artillery. Little is known of this Canadian artillery battery. A handful of other examples bearing the same abbreviation are known, all of them, peculiarly, p1853 sabers intended for cavalrymen.

Charles Reeves was the progenitor of the Patent Solid Hilt, a wide tang set between thick slabs of pressed, checkered leather which would become the standard grip for British swords produced in the latter half of the 18th century. This example features one such grip.

Though the checkered pattern is worn, all of the original leather to the grip is present. The darkly patinated blade exhibits signs of battlefield wear, including a folded point, and the guard presents a dark patina.

Note: This lot cannot be packaged and shipped in-house. Successful bidders winning items marked as being packaged and shipped by a third-party service are responsible for paying the third party directly. We are happy to offer complimentary drop-off service to local third-party packing/shipping companies in Columbus, Ohio.

[Swords, Knives, Bowie Knives, Knife, Blades] [Britain, British History, Canada, Canadian History]