Description
Now available once more by demand is the reproduction of the Regimental Saber carried by the renowned 95th Rifles. This regiment, famously depicted in Bernard Cornwell’s Sharpe’s Rifles, bore a distinctive saber pattern adopted shortly after 1803. This pattern, preserved in the National Army Museum in London, saw service through the Peninsular War and the Battle of Waterloo. Its design was influential, with several Light Infantry units such as the King’s German Legion and the Glengarry Light Infantry adopting similar sabers.
The blade of this saber is deliberately crafted without a fuller, featuring a slab-sided cross section. This construction was chosen to maximize the blade’s strength and resilience, especially important when parrying the heavy, downward strikes of cavalry sabers. Forged from high carbon steel, the blade balances toughness with the flexibility needed on the battlefield. The hilt is nickel-plated and intricately formed, housing a wooden grip wrapped in leather and secured with braided wire for a firm hold. The scabbard, fashioned from thick, stiff leather, is fitted with nickel-plated mounts and suspension rings, reflecting the practical design found in period illustrations.
This saber was built for the rigors of light infantry combat, where durable and reliable equipment could mean the difference between life and death. The original blades often bore acid etching, hinting at regimental pride and craftsmanship, though our reproduction does not replicate these markings, preserving honesty in its presentation. The leather scabbard design is drawn from an 1812 watercolor depicting a 95th officer, ensuring historical accuracy in every detail.
Fun fact: The 95th Rifles’ pattern saber was one of the first British military swords designed specifically with light infantry tactics in mind, emphasizing defensive strength against cavalry rather than the heavy cutting blows favored by line infantry sabers.
