Donated to the National Trust of Guernsey by the Guille family, who found the sabre tucked away in a corrosive state. Surprised by their find, Mr. and Mrs. Guille approached the Trust to enquire whether we would be interested in their find. After confirmation from the Royal Armouries in London of the details, it was confirmed this was a 1796 Light Cavalry Sabre, the significance of which is well known to Napoleonic Era history buffs.
The sword was designed by John Gaspard Le Marchant, a Guernseyman who served with distinction in the British cavalry during the Peninsula Campaign in 1812.
The Trust received expert help from Philip Burrows in conservation works on the sabre, whose knowledge and experience was invaluable. Of his conservation work, Philip Burrows writes:
“The conservation of the sabre and scabbard, undertaken at my workshop in St Saviour, focused on halting active corrosion and stabilising both objects for display and long-term preservation. After careful research, a minimally invasive and reversible treatment was selected, ensuring the preservation of the original materials and historical integrity while providing effective corrosion protection.
However, due to the varied material composition of the sabre—which included metal, wood, leather, and a leather adhesive—simultaneous treatment of both the sabre and scabbard was not possible. While both objects received similar treatments, specific adjustments were made to accommodate the sabre’s mix of materials, ensuring that each component was treated appropriately according to its individual needs.
The treatment process began with the mechanical removal of loose corrosion using specialised tools and manual techniques designed to prevent further damage to the original surfaces. This step was crucial in safeguarding the objects' historical integrity. Following this, a corrosion-inhibiting hydro-gel was applied to halt further oxidative reactions.
In order to achieve comprehensive coverage, the scabbard was fully submerged in the hydro-gel, which allowed treatment of the otherwise inaccessible interior surfaces. For the sabre's metal elements, where full submersion was not possible due to the presence of sensitive materials, the hydro-gel was carefully applied by hand using soft brushes to ensure precise coverage without damaging adjacent components.
Once the hydro-gel treatment was complete, the metal components of both the sabre and scabbard were treated with a sealant composed of a rigid thermoplastic acrylic homopolymer dissolved in a volatile aromatic solvent, prepared here in the workshop. This formulation was selected not only for its compatibility with historical metals but also for its ability to provide effective protection without risking chemical reactions or future degradation. Additionally, the treatment remains reversible and fully re-treatable, allowing for potential future conservation efforts.
Addressing the sabre's non-metal components, the beech wood grip, which had experienced significant material loss due to historic woodworm infestation, was stabilised using a thermoplastic resin dissolved in a volatile ketone solvent. This resin, also prepared in the workshop, consolidated the remaining wood structure, preventing further deterioration. Finally, the remnants of the leather grip were treated separately with a cellulose ether-based consolidant, chosen for its ability to maintain flexibility while ensuring structural integrity. This approach also preserved the leather’s original texture and appearance, essential for maintaining the aesthetic and historical value of the grip.”
The sabre is now on display to the public in this year’s A League of Gentlemen Exhibition at the Folk & Costume Museum. Discover John Gaspard Le Marchant’s story of heroism alongside others from Guernsey’s past.
The National Trust of Guernsey Folk and Costume Museum closes for the season on Sunday 27 October, re-opening on Tuesday 1 April 2025, where A League of Gentlemen exhibition runs until the end of October 2025.