Conservation of a 1796 Pattern Light Cavalry Sabre for the National Trust of Guernsey

Portrait of John Gaspard Le Marchant, whose work in cavalry training and weapon design led to the development of the 1796 Pattern Light Cavalry Sabre. Image reproduced in connection with a Curator’s Choice exhibition.

Conservation of a 1796 Pattern Light Cavalry Sabre

As part of a National Trust of Guernsey exhibition "A League of Gentlemen" which sought to explore stories of heroism, bravery and patriotism of island men and artefacts associated with them from the 18th to the mid-20th century, the cavalry sabre and its associated scabbard were examined and treated as part of a programme of remedial and preventive conservation undertaken for the National Trust of Guernsey.

The sabre was included in the exhibition in recognition of the Guernsey origins of John Gaspard Le Marchant, under whose direction the 1796 Pattern Light Cavalry Sabre was developed.

The objects form a composite group comprising ferrous and organic materials, each presenting distinct conservation challenges arising from age, use, and long-term environmental exposure.

Initial examination identified both active and historic corrosion to the steel components of the sabre and scabbard, alongside areas of surface instability and accumulated corrosion products. These conditions were consistent with prolonged exposure to fluctuating relative humidity and suboptimal storage conditions, resulting in progressive deterioration of the metal surfaces. The overall aim of treatment was to stabilise the objects, arrest ongoing corrosion, and improve their suitability for long-term storage, handling, and display, while preserving original material and surface character.

Detail of the interior of the scabbard prior to treatment, showing corrosion products and surface accretions.

The scabbard, constructed predominantly of metal, exhibited corrosion across both external surfaces and within the interior cavity. Mechanical access to the interior was not possible without partial disassembly, which was considered inappropriate due to the risk of damage to original material and construction. In response to this constraint, a controlled gel-based corrosion reduction treatment was selected. This approach allowed corrosion products to be softened and reduced in situ, while limiting the introduction of free moisture and maintaining control over the treatment area. Following corrosion reduction, the scabbard was carefully rinsed, thoroughly dried, and sealed using conservation-appropriate materials to inhibit further corrosion and improve long-term stability.

Detail of the sabre hilt and grip prior to treatment, showing corrosion to the iron guard and deterioration of the leather-covered wooden grip.

The sabre itself is of mixed-material construction, comprising a steel blade with an organic grip incorporating wood and leather elements, some of which displayed evidence of historic wood-worm damage. The composite nature of the object necessitated a cautious and highly selective approach to treatment. Immersion-based corrosion reduction methods were ruled out at an early stage, as they posed an unacceptable risk to the non-metallic components, historic adhesives, and the structural integrity of the grip. Instead, corrosion reduction to the blade was undertaken using localised, controlled methods, allowing treatment to be confined to the affected metal surfaces while safeguarding adjacent materials.

Application of a gel-based treatment to the metal scabbard during conservation, undertaken to reduce corrosion products in a controlled manner.

Throughout the treatment process, particular attention was paid to material compatibility and reversibility. Interventions were designed to stabilise existing surfaces rather than to alter or obscure them. Evidence of age, use, and historic wear was retained, and no attempt was made to return the sabre or scabbard to a uniform or artificially refined appearance. This approach reflects current conservation ethics, prioritising the preservation of original material and historical integrity over aesthetic restoration.

Preventive considerations formed an integral part of the treatment strategy. In addition to remedial corrosion reduction, recommendations were made regarding appropriate environmental conditions for storage and display, with particular emphasis on maintaining stable relative humidity to reduce the risk of renewed corrosion. The combined remedial and preventive measures ensure that the sabre and scabbard can be safely handled, interpreted, and displayed, while significantly reducing the likelihood of further material degradation.

The 1796 Pattern Light Cavalry Sabre and scabbard housed within a custom-made support tray following completion of conservation treatment.

The completed treatment has resulted in a stabilised object group that remains visually and materially coherent, retaining its historical character while meeting contemporary standards for conservation care. The sabre and scabbard are now better equipped to withstand the demands of long-term custodianship within a heritage collection.

Historical and Typological Context

The sabre, identified as a 1796 Pattern Light Cavalry Sabre by Jake le Gallez - later confirmed by the Royal Armouries - is a form introduced into British service during the late 18th century and remaining in widespread use into the early decades of the 19th century. The pattern was developed under the direction of Guernseyman John Gaspard Le Marchant, drawing on contemporary Austrian cavalry weapons, themselves influenced by earlier Polish-Hungarian sabre forms. Its design reflects a shift towards blades optimised for cutting actions in mounted combat.

Nineteenth-century illustration depicting light cavalry engaged in mounted combat, illustrating the functional use of curved sabres in service.

The 1796 pattern is characterised by a markedly curved blade that broadens slightly towards the point, a feature intended to increase cutting efficiency and deliver greater momentum during a charge. Blades typically fall within a narrow range of lengths and were designed to balance reach with manoeuvrability. Compared with heavy cavalry swords, the light cavalry sabre was lighter and more responsive, intended for prolonged use by mounted troops rather than reliance on brute strength.

The hilt construction is deliberately simple, consisting of a single iron knucklebow with a quillon, forming a stirrup guard that provided basic hand protection while minimising weight. Grips were commonly formed from wood, shaped with ridges to improve purchase, and covered in leather. This composite construction, while effective in service, introduces long-term conservation vulnerabilities due to the differing responses of metal, wood, leather, and historic adhesives to environmental change.

Scabbards for the 1796 pattern were typically manufactured from iron, often incorporating internal wooden liners to protect the blade during insertion and withdrawal. While robust, such scabbards can create enclosed micro-environments in which moisture becomes trapped, increasing the risk of corrosion to both scabbard and blade. For this reason, the sabre and scabbard must be considered together when assessing condition and developing appropriate conservation strategies.

Understanding the design intent and material composition of the 1796 Pattern Light Cavalry Sabre helped provide essential context for interpreting patterns of wear, corrosion, and structural vulnerability observed on surviving examples. This typological knowledge informs conservation decision-making, reinforcing the need for selective, materials-led interventions that respect both the functional origins and historical integrity of the object.