December 10-13, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/10/2024
In 1796, a standard pattern sword was introduced for all infantry officers and other foot officers in the British Army, including the foot artillery. It was to have a “brass guard, gilt with gold; with grip, or handle, of silver twisted wire. The blade was to be straight and made to cut and thrust....” Of questionable utility as a weapon of defense and long enough to entangle one’s legs on the march, General Cavalie Mercer recalled that “Nothing could be more useless or more ridiculous than the old Infantry regulation [sword]; it was good neither for cut nor thrust and was a perfect encumbrance. In the Foot Artillery, when away from headquarters, we generally wore dirks instead of it.” It continued in use until replaced by the pattern of 1822. This sword has the popular folding, inner guard and instead of a silver, twisted wire wrap on the wooden grip, has instead a tube of cast-silver over wood, the surface imitating that of twisted-wire--far more practical and durable for a campaign sword. The sword is 37 7/8 inches L, with a 31 1/4 in. L x 1 in. W, single-edged blade with wide fuller. CONDITION: An good example of the 1796 form, with approximately 80-85% of its gilt finish remaining on the hilt, the etching on the blade, including royal coat of arms and left side and crown over GR device on right, largely obscured from heavy cleaning over the years--the blade now a dullish grey. The scabbard leather and the drag of the scabbard are modern replacements.