Stirrup-Hilt Light Dragoon Saber

As the Revolutionary War entered its middle years, the need for mounted fighting men saw an explosion in the numbers of Light Dragoon units formed on both sides. While the Loyalist and British were largely supplied with cavalry sabres by James Potter of New York City, patriotic American forces were supplied by a myriad of sources. Some were captured; some were imported from Europe and others were made locally using whatever blades were available.

Mounted on a serviceable but crude blade, the hilt is clearly modeled on the design of the "Potter" dragoon sabre, but is much snazzier. Substituting polished brass for the sturdier iron of the prototype, this example retains the diagnostic stirrup guard secured by a ring to the foot of the tall, well-moulded pommel. It is a beautiful and elegant sword which typifies the sort of light dragoon swords made for American officers during the War.

The Revolutionary War sword of General Benjamin Lincoln, now in the collection of the Museum of the American Revolution (2016.04.0001) is identical to this example. Both are certainly a product of the same shop, likely in New England.
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