British Lifeguard Sabre, Model 1796, With A Disc- Hilt

An extremely rare 1796 “Disque” model heavy cavalry saber belonging to the Life Guards. The guard, which is wide and slightly concave, features geometric openwork and has an original wooden handle covered in leather. The single-groove, hatchet-style blade appears lighter than the standard heavy cavalry blade. It bears the mark of government inspectors near the ricasso, as well as the manufacturer’s mark, “Wooley Deakin & Co.” It retains its original all-brass scabbard, fitted with a large brass hook at the front, designed to be carried over the shoulder. Its overall condition is excellent; these swords are rarely seen on the collectors’ market and almost never with their brass scabbards.

Note:A similar example is featured in Richard Dellar’s book *The British Cavalry Sword 1788–1912*. This model is exclusively associated with the Lifeguards regiment and is believed to have been used for ceremonial purposes. In 1812, it was replaced by the standard heavy cavalry sword with a steel hilt for the Peninsular War, as the brass-hilted model was deemed unsuitable. It is estimated that the Leeds Armory holds 58 examples, many of which were lost in the 1992 fire at Windsor Castle. The Royal Horse Guards are said to have adopted the steel-disc version of this sword model.