The 1853 Pattern British Cavalry Sword was introduced just before the Crimean War of 1854 and some, but few, saw service at the Battle of Balaclava during "The Charge of the Light Brigade" where the Russian gunner’s fell to the thrusts of the British cavalrymen. By near war's end in 1856 they were in general/universal issue. This sword was also the first to be issued to both Light and Heavy Cavalry regiments. The 1853 pattern survived until 1864 when a new guard was introduced.

The flat iron-mounted knuckle bow is joined by the two branches at the oval counterguard that terminates in a quillon ending in a flat-sided disc. Entire hilt has a darkish brown /gray colored patina. It has black grips of checkered leather riveted to the tang of the blade with five small rivets. Leather is good but shows some shrinkage along the edges and smooth wear to the checkering. The hilt is tight and shows light wear from age and use. Iron pommel exhibits a domed cap. The saber's measure a total length of 42 1/2 inches. The bright 35 1/2-inch blade is just slightly curved, has a 24½” long wide unstopped fuller, and is void of any etching. Blade retains about 80% of its original polished brightness with slight patches of minor light discoloration near the point. The blade is stamped with a small crown over "7". It has a maker's mark on the ricasso of "T & C". The original iron scabbard is in very good condition and exhibits a mottled brown/gray colored patina overall. The unadorned scabbard, which is strong and tight, has dark oxidation areas on a smooth hard surface with light pitting evident. Scabbard has two ring mounts that are tight, and each secures a 1 1/4-inch diameter iron ring. Throat collar retains 1 small set screw the other is filed flush. The scabbard shows 1 dent but is nice.

This sword has matching regimental marks on both the hilt and scabbard. These marks are "DYC" over "5" over "D". Which translates to Dorsetshire Yeomanry Cavalry. 5th Troop. Company D. The Dorsetshire Regiment of Volunteer Yeomanry Cavalry was originally founded in 1794 as the Dorsetshire Regiment of Volunteer Yeomanry Cavalry in response to the growing threat of invasion during the French Revolutionary Wars.  By 1838, the regiment consisted of five troops raised from the western portion of the county. Until the Boer War they served within Britain. This is a nice untouched example of a classic British cavalry saber. [pe][ph:L]

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