Thank you Matt for providing yet another helpful overview on these important light horse sabres. For any interested Polish reading viewers, I'd recommend digging out the old monograph by Maciej Jeske (Krakow 1988) which covers the basics of the 1796 but then goes into much more detail on the wz1811, wz1848, wz1873 and wz1896. It also provides an all too brief overview of the later sabres' Polish service between the two world wars. Thank you.
@@Theduckwebcomics Funnily enough I've got an officer version of the 1811 and the guard is much thinner like the 1796, but the unit/royal markings give it away as a German sword.
Your video set me an a new path to the identification of my sword. My only professional opinion, that it looks to be the Buchler M1811, was offered from photos only. I will now take it to that expert for a hands-on assessment. Thanks for your well-produced, informative piece.
Yesss! Thank you! I'm so glad you're discussing weapons and history of the Napeolonic era, as well as my favorite television series ever made: Sharpe. This series alone would make for absolutely sizzling videos for the future. Just an idea, of course. Cheers!
When the Versailles treaty was signed, the complete equipment of german Military and Police was regulated by the Allied powers, including the numbers and shape of sabers and bayonnets. If this regulation also included customs service, forrest service, prison guards or communal , police axillaries' ( Amtsdiener/ Büttel, field guards/ Feldschütze or the last nightwatchmen) i don' t know. For an, to me, unknown reason the Allied powers ordered, that only this Blücher style saber was allowed to ,Reichswehr', as the german army was called from 1919 to 1934( 35?), and kept in cavallry service up to 1941, before the invasion of Russia started. From 1955 to 1990 the East German army used a parade saber in Blücher style, but only in small numbers, the ordinary officers ceremonial sidearm was a dagger. In western Germany , and united Germany after 1990 , no bladed sidearms are used in military force or armed offices of civilian administration. But sabers of this style are still produced by WKC company, and starting again some years ago, by Eickhorn company, with slimmer and unsharpened blades. This sabers you can sometimes see at ceremonies of traditional target shooters clubs/ Schützenvereine or at parades of historical militias, calling themselves Bürgergarde, Bürgerwehr, Bürgermiliz, Bürgermilitär, Stadtgarde etc..Those militias had been up 1849 real support forces for army and police, but today they only appear at historic events, show some military drill and fire a salvo of blanks and their bands play marches.
Couple of years back, I kept talking about the "Swordsmen of the British empire" book to my wife because of your videos. And she bought it for me as a christmas present, (i think) in 2017. I'll start jammerin on about Blucher sabers right away!!!
Perfect timing. I am trying to clean up my American made, circa 1800, troopers, Dragoon sword, which is pretty much an amalgamation of both the British 1796 and the Blucher. It was a very much copied design, which shows how well thought of it was.
The rear quillons seemed to be fairly different shape with the Prussian model curving upward where the British look flatter. Is that a consistent thing between the 2 or not?
Prussian general: I need a copy of this British model, but make it more GERMAN Swordmaker: How does one make a sword more German? Prussian general: Put a bigger bulge on it!
The main difference I always go to is the more defined guard shape on the Blucher! It's super obvious when you notice it. The British troopers versions feature a softer curve, which the which the Bluchers just don't.
Somewhat, although as usual the French insisted on making their's with brass guards, and brass back-straps, and brass wire on the grip... the French top brass love their brass.
Fun fact about Blücher: he started his military career in Sweden fighting against Prussia untill he deserted and joined the black hussars. The story goes he got captured and scared into switching side by a bearded hussar.
Matt: Here's the difference between these two types of swords. You will be able to tell the difference at a glance! Money back guarantee! *goes on to explain that, indeed, it is not that easy at all* As always, great video.
i knew a guy in high school who had a blucher in his house, well it was a blucher it had been chopped down and turned into a knife at some point, never understood why you would turn a perfectly good sword into a knife. maybe it broke
I knew of relatives that butchered Knights of Columbus fraternal dress swords, put a stag or wooden grip on it and make it a dagger. I hate destroying antiques, I would rather give it to someone who would appreciate it rather than "mod" it into a crappy looking knife.
Whenever the Militaria fairs get back to normal, I'll be on the lookout for these. Pretty sure I've seen quite a few of them in the Ciney Militaria fair/expo.
I always wonder why he never mentions what the expected prices are for these types of things. i trust him and the knowledge would help others from being fleeced
There's one very obvious difference in these 2 examples shown: The "off center" position of the grip of the 1796 (there's a continuous line coming from the back of the blade through the backstrap of the grip). I'm not sure though, whether it is always the case, as swords would obviously have many variations in one single pattern.
I just purchased a Blucher from a consignment store, I was wondering if I can get some help on identifying and history. Left side of hilt has E. In script M. 6. 31. Lower Blade side of hilt has 6. L. U. 1. with what appears to be something else stamped between L and U. Top Blade side has 31. Blade has 4 85 with something else stamped along with it. It also has the metal sheath but haven't located any markings on it. I paid $125 US, I think it was worth it being its in really good condition for it's age.
Request for Help from all of you Antique Sword and Saber Gurus in comment land. Off and on, for years, I have been trying to identify my very 1st Saber. It is supposedly an American Dragoons saber, and is very similar to a Britsh 1796 and a Blucher, with slight differences. The blade is stamped Warranted, which is abbreviated as WAR td with what appears to be W E CAS(E). The "e" is not very clear. The langnet over the grip is quite large and broad at the base. The langet over the scabbard is quite wide, almost as wide as the blade. I was told it was made in the US, however, I've always been suspicious of that, as the blade and hilt show a much more refined craftsmanship than American made swords of the period. Any help or clues would be a great help. Thanks
...nice video as allways...but Blüchers was not a General. Gebhard Leberecht von Blücher, Prince Blücher von Wahlstatt was Generalfeldmarschall (fieldmarshal) (called "marshal foreward" by his troops and the public) and commander of the Prussian Army.
Could the fact the Germans used the lance allot more wide spread than in British service, provide the context for it's long term service plus the wars each nation fought during that era?
I am fascinated by this type of saber was used in Brazil for a long time by the cavalry and earned the nickname of "Sabre Rabo de Galo" (saber tail of cock) .
@@johnspettell1853 I like his presentation, and finally someone has explained the various designations and nomenclatures for the Blücher Sabers in Prussian use..
So, What you're saying Matt is that the Blucher, is the 1796 "cheap bastard" model sabre? I like the British original model much better,if I were to save up for one that would be my preference.
One must simply get accustomed to the English talking funny. For example why do they put a 'T' in the Subaru Impreza? What an 'Impretsa' is we still wonder... "Speak English to me, Tony. I thought this country spawned the fucking language, and so far nobody seems to speak it." - Snatch 2000
@@LangstonDev If, on the other hand, a supposed German native speaker suggest to pronounce Blücher with an sh-sound like in ship, they either have a serious speech impediment, aren’t actually a native speaker of German, or trying to pull someone’s leg… Yes, English doesn’t have the particular sound that would be correct here, as far as I know, but it’s not really any closer to “sh” than to “ck”. Except in very thick versions of some regional dialects, that is.
@@tilmanahr By no means, this was not meant to be an attack. I can assure only 5% of people living in Germany know the historical figure Blücher. Therefore we both are already among the tip of an intellectual elite having a conversation about a long forgotten Prussian General, whose memory in the population has already been deleted long ago. And on top we do this in a foreign language.
It happens in all languages when speaking foreign words. Some languages just do not have the noise that matches the foreign language so they resort to using the nearest thing from their own. I am sure German speakers do the same to English words on occasion. Henning Wehn (a German comedian resident in England) is remarkable for retaining a German accent but always using English pronunciation. Also he is very funny and sharp witted. My favourite comedian in Britain. Everyone talks funny using foreign words. One might also mention that there are many different German accents and dialects to the point of being almost unintelligible to each other. Swiss German can be closer to Dutch than standard posh High German. Mind you I am incapable of pronouncing Flemish/Dutch plausibly. I find that the biggest barrier to learning to speak Flemish/Dutch is not the language but the pronunciation. Cut that away and they are very similar to English whereas German differs more but the pronunciation differs less so I find German easier to try to speak.
Every time Matt said Blucher I was expecting thunder and lightning along with a horse neighing in the background.
Why?
@@nealsterling8151 See 1974 Young Frankenstein film
"Frau Blucher" ;)
Yep. Glad I wasn't the only one.
@@ronalddunne3413 ⚡️7@=E
Thank you Matt for providing yet another helpful overview on these important light horse sabres. For any interested Polish reading viewers, I'd recommend digging out the old monograph by Maciej Jeske (Krakow 1988) which covers the basics of the 1796 but then goes into much more detail on the wz1811, wz1848, wz1873 and wz1896. It also provides an all too brief overview of the later sabres' Polish service between the two world wars. Thank you.
This is definitely the most oddly specific TH-cam video I've ever seen. Still loved it.
Oh you just wait. The sharp and pointy crowd can get far more oddly specific than this 🤣
Look up Forgotten Weapons or Othias and Mae on Anvil.
I got a Blucher 1811. The weight is quite a bit more than the 1796, but it feels stronger and more solid. Nice video btw :)
Yeah, I have German and British versions- the German ones are tougher. Not as elegant though.
@@Theduckwebcomics Funnily enough I've got an officer version of the 1811 and the guard is much thinner like the 1796, but the unit/royal markings give it away as a German sword.
Your video set me an a new path to the identification of my sword. My only professional opinion, that it looks to be the Buchler M1811, was offered from photos only. I will now take it to that expert for a hands-on assessment. Thanks for your well-produced, informative piece.
Matt Easton drinking game:
Every time he says 'BUT' you sit down and drink
Every time he says 'nimble' you stand up and drink
RIP liver...
every time he says variation, you drink TWICE
why people don't just stop these dumb drinking games?
@@maximilianolimamoreira5002 why don't you just take a shot when he says context?
@@sarchlalaith8836 Suicide is never the answer.
Yesss! Thank you! I'm so glad you're discussing weapons and history of the Napeolonic era, as well as my favorite television series ever made: Sharpe. This series alone would make for absolutely sizzling videos for the future. Just an idea, of course. Cheers!
Sharpe's plot armour is so extreme that I don't see the stakes in anything he does.
When the Versailles treaty was signed, the complete equipment of german Military and Police was regulated by the Allied powers, including the numbers and shape of sabers and bayonnets. If this regulation also included customs service, forrest service, prison guards or communal , police axillaries' ( Amtsdiener/ Büttel, field guards/ Feldschütze or the last nightwatchmen) i don' t know. For an, to me, unknown reason the Allied powers ordered, that only this Blücher style saber was allowed to ,Reichswehr', as the german army was called from 1919 to 1934( 35?), and kept in cavallry service up to 1941, before the invasion of Russia started. From 1955 to 1990 the East German army used a parade saber in Blücher style, but only in small numbers, the ordinary officers ceremonial sidearm was a dagger. In western Germany , and united Germany after 1990 , no bladed sidearms are used in military force or armed offices of civilian administration. But sabers of this style are still produced by WKC company, and starting again some years ago, by Eickhorn company, with slimmer and unsharpened blades. This sabers you can sometimes see at ceremonies of traditional target shooters clubs/ Schützenvereine or at parades of historical militias, calling themselves Bürgergarde, Bürgerwehr, Bürgermiliz, Bürgermilitär, Stadtgarde etc..Those militias had been up 1849 real support forces for army and police, but today they only appear at historic events, show some military drill and fire a salvo of blanks and their bands play marches.
Couple of years back, I kept talking about the "Swordsmen of the British empire" book to my wife because of your videos. And she bought it for me as a christmas present, (i think) in 2017.
I'll start jammerin on about Blucher sabers right away!!!
Perfect timing. I am trying to clean up my American made, circa 1800, troopers, Dragoon sword, which is pretty much an amalgamation of both the British 1796 and the Blucher. It was a very much copied design, which shows how well thought of it was.
I got one in my collection here in Romania.
How much to sell it to @William Barnett-Lewis ?
One day I will own one of those. My favorite of all the European sabers very informative video Matt. Thanks!
I hope you find one for a good price my friend!
@@mallardtheduck406 thank you!
The rear quillons seemed to be fairly different shape with the Prussian model curving upward where the British look flatter. Is that a consistent thing between the 2 or not?
Prussian general: I need a copy of this British model, but make it more GERMAN
Swordmaker: How does one make a sword more German?
Prussian general: Put a bigger bulge on it!
The main difference I always go to is the more defined guard shape on the Blucher! It's super obvious when you notice it.
The British troopers versions feature a softer curve, which the which the Bluchers just don't.
is the pommel nut and pin through the grip languet usually more prominent on the Blucher or is that just a feature of the one you're holding?
The main British weapon after the Royal Navy, was sometimes referred to as "Golden Cavalry" Better known as gold sovereigns.
"You're a Firestarter, twisted Firestarter" 🔥
What about French Napoleonic era Hussars sabres ? Were they similar to the 1796 LTC ?
Somewhat, although as usual the French insisted on making their's with brass guards, and brass back-straps, and brass wire on the grip... the French top brass love their brass.
Didn't you already make this video? I swear I've watched you do a video on this before.
the matrix has you
Prussian M1811 'Blücher' Sabre vs British 1796 Light Cavalry Sabre
28.11.2019
scholagladiatoria
I think in that video he had an officers model so when he got a troopers version its a good excuse to make another video
“Fraü Blücher!”
“Whyyyinnn!!!”
Fun fact about Blücher: he started his military career in Sweden fighting against Prussia untill he deserted and joined the black hussars.
The story goes he got captured and scared into switching side by a bearded hussar.
yeah, Gebhardt had a long military career, by the time the Napoleonic wars rolled around, he died of old age
Matt: Here's the difference between these two types of swords. You will be able to tell the difference at a glance! Money back guarantee!
*goes on to explain that, indeed, it is not that easy at all*
As always, great video.
i knew a guy in high school who had a blucher in his house, well it was a blucher it had been chopped down and turned into a knife at some point, never understood why you would turn a perfectly good sword into a knife. maybe it broke
Because 'that's not a knife!'
I knew of relatives that butchered Knights of Columbus fraternal dress swords, put a stag or wooden grip on it and make it a dagger. I hate destroying antiques, I would rather give it to someone who would appreciate it rather than "mod" it into a crappy looking knife.
@@mallardtheduck406 i would do the same, but if its already snapped i might make something from it
I would love to get my hands on a cheap but real and decent cutter one.
Whenever the Militaria fairs get back to normal, I'll be on the lookout for these. Pretty sure I've seen quite a few of them in the Ciney Militaria fair/expo.
I always wonder why he never mentions what the expected prices are for these types of things. i trust him and the knowledge would help others from being fleeced
How similar are the one handed Dao and Messer compare in terms of handling and performance?
There's one very obvious difference in these 2 examples shown: The "off center" position of the grip of the 1796 (there's a continuous line coming from the back of the blade through the backstrap of the grip). I'm not sure though, whether it is always the case, as swords would obviously have many variations in one single pattern.
So a British sword, designed by a Belgian, copied by the Germans and used to fight the French?
Yup, blatant cultural appropriation
And after a couple of years, copied by the swedes
interesting question about compare between typical distal taper of the p1796lcs and M1811
1796 in the title is like catnip to swordies 😂
yeah, they become more relaxed, and quiet
Matt! Just got done watching Waterloo and the Duelists... just wondering what's your favorite French saber?
I just purchased a Blucher from a consignment store, I was wondering if I can get some help on identifying and history. Left side of hilt has E. In script M. 6. 31. Lower Blade side of hilt has 6. L. U. 1. with what appears to be something else stamped between L and U. Top Blade side has 31. Blade has 4 85 with something else stamped along with it. It also has the metal sheath but haven't located any markings on it. I paid $125 US, I think it was worth it being its in really good condition for it's age.
Request for Help from all of you Antique Sword and Saber Gurus in comment land.
Off and on, for years, I have been trying to identify my very 1st Saber. It is supposedly an American Dragoons saber, and is very similar to a Britsh 1796 and a Blucher, with slight differences. The blade is stamped Warranted, which is abbreviated as WAR td with what appears to be W E CAS(E). The "e" is not very clear. The langnet over the grip is quite large and broad at the base. The langet over the scabbard is quite wide, almost as wide as the blade.
I was told it was made in the US, however, I've always been suspicious of that, as the blade and hilt show a much more refined craftsmanship than American made swords of the period.
Any help or clues would be a great help. Thanks
now I gotta go rewatch the video from a year ago with the same title and see if Matt's opinions have changed...
What is the most common gem stones in weapon handles. In your experience. I enjoyed the video as always.
Any suggestions where I can buy one of either of these? Great video as usual Matt
I think that Matt sells swords...
@@Giloup92 thanks, yes have checked his site out and only one at the moment but is a piped back one. Cheers
I may be listing one on EBAY in the near future.
I have mine set to go live on ebay Tuesday August 30th 2022 if interested.
I feel like this is a re-upload, or at least you've uploaded one like it previously.
Not sure why I am watching this in whole. I didn't even know either of these swords.
Wha? Do you only watch vids on swords you know?
Well, now you do :D
The M1796 doesn't make horses neigh for no apparent reason? :P
What about the fuller? The Blücher seems to have a wider fuller..?
This video is right on time. Grouchy saber tomorrow?
Prussian M1811 'Blücher' Sabre vs British 1796 Light Cavalry Sabre
28.11.2019
scholagladiatoria
Can I do a review on the 'diriliş Ertuğrul' kılıç sword??
Well now, the difference is that one is German and one is British of course!
why didn't they have more hand protection such as side bars or rings?
...nice video as allways...but Blüchers was not a General. Gebhard Leberecht von Blücher, Prince Blücher von Wahlstatt was Generalfeldmarschall (fieldmarshal) (called "marshal foreward" by his troops and the public) and commander of the Prussian Army.
Is this a respost? I could swear I watched this video a week or two ago.
How much is it worth?
so the point of balance will be closer to the hilt for the bulcher
Could the fact the Germans used the lance allot more wide spread than in British service, provide the context for it's long term service plus the wars each nation fought during that era?
how much?
I am fascinated by this type of saber was used in Brazil for a long time by the cavalry and earned the nickname of "Sabre Rabo de Galo" (saber tail of cock) .
I would have zero problems if someone "scammed" me, selling me one amazing sword instead of another. It's Prussian? Fuck yea!
Here is a post by Vincent Koch, that explains much more: th-cam.com/video/vUaRbKRqqOs/w-d-xo.html&ab_channel=ImperialGermanBayonets
Dale that is a great video and an awesome channel!
@@johnspettell1853 I like his presentation, and finally someone has explained the various designations and nomenclatures for the Blücher Sabers in Prussian use..
So the kool part is because you’re holding a sword that was used in the Napoleon wars. Right on.
Can I buy the cheapest battle ready saber by cold steel and be happy for ever?
Notification Squad™.
Looks like it would hit like a freight train.
Interesting video.. but when i see you touching the blades with bare fingers i get uneasy :-D
O Dang......this is a show down!
Got..to...say...it..
Frau... BLUCHER!
Bigger bulge=bigger fingers
from eating too much strudel
What about the point? Your Blucher doesn't have the hatchet point.
So, What you're saying Matt is that the Blucher, is the 1796 "cheap bastard" model sabre? I like the British original model much better,if I were to save up for one that would be my preference.
When seeing the dates and the 'Versus', my immediate thoughts were 'Cause we all know the 1796 spadroon would lose terribly'.
Germanised 1796 sabre.
Bluchers are Thicc...got it.
*horse noises*
Prussia martialised the rest of Germany.
Blücher? You butchered the name! Not Blücker... Blücher like ship.... Blüsher please try.
One must simply get accustomed to the English talking funny.
For example why do they put a 'T' in the Subaru Impreza? What an 'Impretsa' is we still wonder...
"Speak English to me, Tony. I thought this country spawned the fucking language, and so far nobody seems to speak it." - Snatch 2000
@@LangstonDev If, on the other hand, a supposed German native speaker suggest to pronounce Blücher with an sh-sound like in ship, they either have a serious speech impediment, aren’t actually a native speaker of German, or trying to pull someone’s leg…
Yes, English doesn’t have the particular sound that would be correct here, as far as I know, but it’s not really any closer to “sh” than to “ck”.
Except in very thick versions of some regional dialects, that is.
@@tilmanahr By no means, this was not meant to be an attack. I can assure only 5% of people living in Germany know the historical figure Blücher. Therefore we both are already among the tip of an intellectual elite having a conversation about a long forgotten Prussian General, whose memory in the population has already been deleted long ago. And on top we do this in a foreign language.
It happens in all languages when speaking foreign words. Some languages just do not have the noise that matches the foreign language so they resort to using the nearest thing from their own. I am sure German speakers do the same to English words on occasion. Henning Wehn (a German comedian resident in England) is remarkable for retaining a German accent but always using English pronunciation. Also he is very funny and sharp witted. My favourite comedian in Britain. Everyone talks funny using foreign words. One might also mention that there are many different German accents and dialects to the point of being almost unintelligible to each other. Swiss German can be closer to Dutch than standard posh High German. Mind you I am incapable of pronouncing Flemish/Dutch plausibly. I find that the biggest barrier to learning to speak Flemish/Dutch is not the language but the pronunciation. Cut that away and they are very similar to English whereas German differs more but the pronunciation differs less so I find German easier to try to speak.
@@tilmanahr : ln german language , ch' is spoken in two variants. Compare ,ich' and ,Dach', but not ,sch' or ,ck'.