The Light Cavalry of Russia was instrumental in turning Napoleons ambitious invasion of Russia into one of historys greatest military disasters. After the abandonment of ruined Moscow, Napoleons Grande Arm found itself defeated largely by its greatest strength – its size. Nearly half a million strong, the scorched earth tactics of the Russians denied Napoleon the food and fuel his vast, insatiable army needed. As Napoleons army retreated westwards into the autumn mud and coming winter, the Russian light cavalry would constantly harass their flanks and foragers, denying them food, forage and rest. Napoleon would have no counter, for his own cavalry was decimated. His horses, unable to find pastures in the changing Russian seasons began to starve – most would be eaten by desperate men. The Russian light cavalry, swift and unrelenting, would grind Napoleons men down into the cold mud, slush and snow of vast Russia. Only 27,000 men in fighting condition would leave Russia; more than 380,000 of their comrades had perished and another 100,000 had been captured. Napoleon would abandon the Grande Arm for Paris, his reputation as an indomitable god of war as tattered as the uniforms of his once shining army.
This reproduction 1798 Russian Light Cavalry Officers Saber is in the form of the Hussar sabers. Its curved blade allowed for the vicious, slashing passes on disorganized infantry that the light cavalry specialized in. Disorganized, routing and starving, these infantrymen and horseless cavalrymen were easy prey for marauding Russian Hussars, Cossacks and their slashing sabers.
The unsharpened blade is made of tempered high carbon steel. It has etched designs on one side, including a charging Hussar beneath Russian script. A makers signature is on the spine of the blade. The hilt is of brass and the grip is of tight, ribbed leather. The wood-core scabbard is covered with black leather overlaid with extensive brass fittings and a suspension ring. A leather washer at the base of the blade protects the crossguard from colliding into the brass throat of the scabbard
Ian Hall –
Looks great as a display piece and feels nice in the hand to play with. Fits well in the sheath and the sheath doesn’t seem stingy. While I’m sure it would hold up okay in a re-enactment I would never want to do that because it looks cool as hell. Does seem to be solidly built and a decent tang. Would be great for larping. the engraving is a nice touch.