Lot 186307: Indian Export Decorative Cavalry Saber with Velvet Scabbard, Late 20th C.

Auction

Estate Auction: Multiple-Estate Liquidation Roseville, CA (191)

Lot Number

186307

Status

Sold

Hammer / Price

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Opening Bid

$5.00

Accepted Bids

33

Closed

3/19/26 7:01 PM PT

Description

A modern Indian export decorative saber loosely modeled on the British Pattern 1821 Light Cavalry Saber, produced circa 1970s–1990s. The curved, single-edged steel blade measures 37.5 inches overall and features a single fuller and decorative floral and scroll etching at the ricasso surrounding a stamped "MADE IN INDIA" mark, consistent with U.S. customs import requirements for post-1960s goods. The cast brass hilt comprises a stirrup guard and a ribbed grip; at the pommel, a visible hex nut secures a rat-tail tang — a construction method characteristic of mass-produced, non-functional souvenir swords that renders the piece structurally unsafe for any martial use. The accompanying scabbard, likely wood-cored, is covered in red velvet — possibly synthetic — with decorative gold and blue-green woven braid trim and sheet brass throat and chape fittings. These sabers were widely manufactured by anonymous metalworking shops in the Dehradun, Roorkee, and Rajasthan regions of India for the Western souvenir market and for use in traditional North Indian wedding ceremonies (Baraat), where the groom carries a sword as a symbol of heritage. The design represents a simplified, non-functional hybrid of European military saber patterns and traditional Indian talwar forms. Condition is good overall; the velvet shows fraying and separation at the brass throat fitting, brass components exhibit tarnish and oxidation, and minor surface scuffs are present on the blade.