Original British Victorian Era Indian Army Cavalry Saber with Scabbard & Leather Hanger by Grindlay & Company of London
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Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very attractive Victorian era Indian cavalry saber of the type produced under British influence for service in India, complete with its original scabbard and leather suspension hanger.
The sword follows the characteristic Indian cavalry pattern that developed in the decades following the Indian Mutiny, combining a broad, curved blade reminiscent of the British 1796 Light Cavalry Saber with a more compact guard influenced by the 1821 Light Cavalry pattern.
The hilt shows substantial age and service wear, with heavy oxidation and peppering across the metal surfaces. The ribbed wooden grip remains covered in leather and is in very good condition for its age.
The blade ricasso is crudely stamped:
GRINDLAY & Co.
AGENCY LONDON
Grindlay & Company was a well established British firm of Army agents and bankers closely associated with travel, commerce, and military service in India.
The business was founded in 1828 as Leslie and Grindlay, became Grindlay, Christian and Matthews in 1839, and adopted the name Grindlay & Company in 1843.
The firm provided a wide range of services to British officers and civilians traveling to and serving in India. These included arranging voyages, handling and shipping baggage, managing financial affairs, and supplying equipment and personal goods.
Grindlay maintained offices in London as well as a broad network of agents throughout India, including Calcutta, Bombay, Simla, Delhi, Lahore, Peshawar, and Quetta.
Given the company’s role in supplying British military personnel and travelers bound for India, it is entirely plausible that swords such as this were retailed or supplied through the firm.
The blade measures approximately 35 1/4 inches long and retains its original leather blade buffer at the guard.
The blade remains mostly bright, with scattered oxidation and some minor nicks along the cutting edge. It is unetched aside from the maker or retailer marking at the ricasso.
Overall length of the sword is approximately 41 1/2 inches.
The accompanying scabbard measures approximately 36 1/2 inches long and is constructed of wood covered in leather. It remains in very good overall condition, though there is some splitting along the seam.
The iron drag remains attached and shows age and oxidation.
The original leather hanger is also still present. The leather remains pliable and in good condition, adding considerably to the completeness and appeal of the set.
This is an excellent Victorian era Indian cavalry saber with strong Anglo-Indian character, desirable Grindlay & Company markings, original scabbard, and surviving leather hanger.
Specifications:
Blade Length: 35 1/4 inches
Overall Length: 41 1/2 inches
Scabbard Length: 36 1/2 inches
- This product is available for international shipping.
- Eligible for all payments - Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX, Paypal & Sezzle
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