Prototype Del Tin 18th Century Hussar Sabre
Sept 23, 2018 0:18:17 GMT
Post by elbrittania39 on Sept 23, 2018 0:18:17 GMT
Introductions
Following my recent college graduation, I decided to treat myself and pick up a midrange priced sword. I'd purchased a number of swords under $300 up until now, but decided this would be a good time to find out what I've been missing. I considered a number of swords, including both of Del Tin's Hussar sabres after hearing some glowing reviews from collectors with similar tastes to myself. The 19th century model was out of stock on KOA so I reached out to Del Tin directly to see if I could order from them. While production of the base model would normally take a couple months, Fulvio told me they just happened to have a prototype which had been made a longtime ago just sitting around the shop. This version was a bit shorter and lighter and had a matching scabbard. He offered to sell it to me for a little less that the price of the retail model. Needless to say, I leapt at the opportunity to get this sword in a more compact, unique package with a scabbard to boot. I payed $430 including US shipping.
Disclaimer
While I appreciate Fulvio offering me a good deal on a sabre I wasn't expecting him to have, I will not give praise where it is unwarranted in this review. I have not been paid or offered any sort of deal for this review. Indeed, I do have some critiques for the sword so I don't think my intentions will be hard to believe.
Historical Overview
Curved Sabres were the rage in Europe during the early 19th century. They originated from Eastern European nations like Hungary and Poland, but became a staple of every military by the time of Napoleon. The most common unit to carry a sabre would be the light cavalry or hussars. However, the success and allure of these weapons trickled down to infantry as well. It would not be at all uncommon during the Napoleonic wars for an infantry officer to be carrying a lighter version of a cavalry sabre. In Great Britain for example, the 1796 light cavalry sabre was so popular to copy for infantry officers, that they eventually just made the 1803 officers sabre which clearly drew its inspiration from the 1796. This Del Tin reminds me a lot of one of these infantry sabres. While the base model is an appropriate length for cavalry, at just 36 inches, I think this prototype would be better suited for use on foot. I do not think this sword has a specific historical inspiration, but its stirrup guard and blade shape were very common for the period. Two possible inspirations include the British 1788 light cavalry sabre and the Prussian 1742.
Stats
Weight: 850 Grams
Thickness: 5mm-2mm
Blade Width: 35 mm
Overall Length: 36 inches
Blade length: 30.5 inches
POB: 6.5 inches from guard
Components
Blade
The blade has mild curvature that starts halfway out. It tapers well and ends in an asymmetrical point, showing a favoritism to cuts and not so much thrusts. Oddly, the blade has no main fuller like most light cavalry sabres. Instead, it has a narrow groove running down about 75% of the blade close to the spine. The blade is relatively stiff without being brittle. Due to Italian laws, Del Tin did not offer a sharpening service, although I'd like to cut with it one day.
Guard
So here we get into critiques. I really like the shape of the guard. Stirrup guards just scream classic sabre to me. However, where Del Tin put its attention shows through here. The finish on the guard is poor. No way getting around it. There are evident welding marks and the interior if the knucklebow is almost entirely without polish.
Grip
The grip is wide and flat with substantial recurve. The leather is smooth, maybe a little too much, but the grooves in the wood underneath help it to not become slippery. The finish is good on the leather, the stitches are completely hidden by the backstrap. The sword is assembled via a nut. I have not yet cut or disabled to sword, but after a month of regular dry handling everything is still rock solid.
Scabbard
The scabbard is not offered at all in the retail model so take my thoughts here for what they're worth (not much). The scabbard is wood covered in black canvas (not leather) with brass fittings and two hanging rings. The scabbard is light and feels somewhat fragile. It appears to have no lining. It also flares for no real reason a bit in the last third. The sword doent rattle much at all, but will fall out if held upside down more than a second. The scabbard is not an impressive piece, but I don't think it was ever intended for a customer to have at all. I like having it though, scabbards are important to me. At least it has structure unlike a floppy Windlass noodle.
Handling
Hoo boy, what this thing lacks in finish and flair, it makes up for in handling twice over. This sword handles as well as any antique of similar proportions I've owned. It has become my go to drilling sword with its snappy cuts and easy flow. This is the only repro sabre I've owned where I sincerely do not think the handling could be improved at all.
Closing Thoughts
Owning this sabre is a lot like owning an antique. It isn't a flashy thing with no real decoration and some wear in the polish and details of the metal. But the handling on the other hand rises to the tier of the most expensive modern reproductions. So this sword really depends on the tastes of its owner. Do you want something really pretty on your wall? This sword is nor for you. Do you want to drill with a weapon that feels the same way one would 200+ years ago? Well then this is for you. I cannot say first hand how much this review applies to other Del Tin products, but other reviews give me a similar impression that they are much more function focused than aesthetic. For what I payed, I'd give this sword an 7.5/10. I always want a well made and well built sword before a pretty one, but the weld marks and rough finish prevent me from scoring this sword higher. If this was rectified it could easily be a 10/10. Thanks for reading and feel free to throw me questions.
Following my recent college graduation, I decided to treat myself and pick up a midrange priced sword. I'd purchased a number of swords under $300 up until now, but decided this would be a good time to find out what I've been missing. I considered a number of swords, including both of Del Tin's Hussar sabres after hearing some glowing reviews from collectors with similar tastes to myself. The 19th century model was out of stock on KOA so I reached out to Del Tin directly to see if I could order from them. While production of the base model would normally take a couple months, Fulvio told me they just happened to have a prototype which had been made a longtime ago just sitting around the shop. This version was a bit shorter and lighter and had a matching scabbard. He offered to sell it to me for a little less that the price of the retail model. Needless to say, I leapt at the opportunity to get this sword in a more compact, unique package with a scabbard to boot. I payed $430 including US shipping.
Disclaimer
While I appreciate Fulvio offering me a good deal on a sabre I wasn't expecting him to have, I will not give praise where it is unwarranted in this review. I have not been paid or offered any sort of deal for this review. Indeed, I do have some critiques for the sword so I don't think my intentions will be hard to believe.
Historical Overview
Curved Sabres were the rage in Europe during the early 19th century. They originated from Eastern European nations like Hungary and Poland, but became a staple of every military by the time of Napoleon. The most common unit to carry a sabre would be the light cavalry or hussars. However, the success and allure of these weapons trickled down to infantry as well. It would not be at all uncommon during the Napoleonic wars for an infantry officer to be carrying a lighter version of a cavalry sabre. In Great Britain for example, the 1796 light cavalry sabre was so popular to copy for infantry officers, that they eventually just made the 1803 officers sabre which clearly drew its inspiration from the 1796. This Del Tin reminds me a lot of one of these infantry sabres. While the base model is an appropriate length for cavalry, at just 36 inches, I think this prototype would be better suited for use on foot. I do not think this sword has a specific historical inspiration, but its stirrup guard and blade shape were very common for the period. Two possible inspirations include the British 1788 light cavalry sabre and the Prussian 1742.
Stats
Weight: 850 Grams
Thickness: 5mm-2mm
Blade Width: 35 mm
Overall Length: 36 inches
Blade length: 30.5 inches
POB: 6.5 inches from guard
Components
Blade
The blade has mild curvature that starts halfway out. It tapers well and ends in an asymmetrical point, showing a favoritism to cuts and not so much thrusts. Oddly, the blade has no main fuller like most light cavalry sabres. Instead, it has a narrow groove running down about 75% of the blade close to the spine. The blade is relatively stiff without being brittle. Due to Italian laws, Del Tin did not offer a sharpening service, although I'd like to cut with it one day.
Guard
So here we get into critiques. I really like the shape of the guard. Stirrup guards just scream classic sabre to me. However, where Del Tin put its attention shows through here. The finish on the guard is poor. No way getting around it. There are evident welding marks and the interior if the knucklebow is almost entirely without polish.
Grip
The grip is wide and flat with substantial recurve. The leather is smooth, maybe a little too much, but the grooves in the wood underneath help it to not become slippery. The finish is good on the leather, the stitches are completely hidden by the backstrap. The sword is assembled via a nut. I have not yet cut or disabled to sword, but after a month of regular dry handling everything is still rock solid.
Scabbard
The scabbard is not offered at all in the retail model so take my thoughts here for what they're worth (not much). The scabbard is wood covered in black canvas (not leather) with brass fittings and two hanging rings. The scabbard is light and feels somewhat fragile. It appears to have no lining. It also flares for no real reason a bit in the last third. The sword doent rattle much at all, but will fall out if held upside down more than a second. The scabbard is not an impressive piece, but I don't think it was ever intended for a customer to have at all. I like having it though, scabbards are important to me. At least it has structure unlike a floppy Windlass noodle.
Handling
Hoo boy, what this thing lacks in finish and flair, it makes up for in handling twice over. This sword handles as well as any antique of similar proportions I've owned. It has become my go to drilling sword with its snappy cuts and easy flow. This is the only repro sabre I've owned where I sincerely do not think the handling could be improved at all.
Closing Thoughts
Owning this sabre is a lot like owning an antique. It isn't a flashy thing with no real decoration and some wear in the polish and details of the metal. But the handling on the other hand rises to the tier of the most expensive modern reproductions. So this sword really depends on the tastes of its owner. Do you want something really pretty on your wall? This sword is nor for you. Do you want to drill with a weapon that feels the same way one would 200+ years ago? Well then this is for you. I cannot say first hand how much this review applies to other Del Tin products, but other reviews give me a similar impression that they are much more function focused than aesthetic. For what I payed, I'd give this sword an 7.5/10. I always want a well made and well built sword before a pretty one, but the weld marks and rough finish prevent me from scoring this sword higher. If this was rectified it could easily be a 10/10. Thanks for reading and feel free to throw me questions.