Category: Previously Sold

This is an original and scarce Imperial Russian Model 1881 Cavalry Trooper’s Sword.  A special commission was established in the late-19th Century to design a new universal type of cavalry sword.  In 1881, a new pattern was introduced and included a ribbed wooden grip, domed pommel and brass D-ring knuckleguard.  The blade is slightly curved and double-edged towards the end.  An interesting addition to this model was the attachment of a Model 1891 Moisin Nagant socket bayonet (absent with this example).  This is not known on any other Russian cavalry sword.  The sword is dated to 1917 (the year of the Russian Revolution) and has an Imperial Russian double-headed eagle stamp to the blade forte.  There are also other issue marks to the reverse side of the blade forte.  The blade condition is good with some appropriate age wear in places.  The sword comes complete with its original leather and brass mounted scabbard that is in excellent shape.  These swords are currently being reproduced and aged accordingly and many collectors can be caught out – this is 100% original and correct.  Blade length is 30 inches (36 inches overall).

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An original and rare British Waterloo period 1796 Pattern Heavy Cavalry Trooper’s Sword.  This is one of the most famous British Army pattern swords and would have been carried by heavy cavalry regiments during the battle of Waterloo in June 1815.  The sword has been made popular in recent years with the TV series, Sharpe by Bernard Cornwell, although technically speaking, what a rifle officer would want with this kind of sword, is very strange!  The sword comprises a distinctive iron, disc hilt with pierced holes. The grip is secured with riveted ears that also secures the tang.  The blade is quite substantial and maker marked to Osborn and Gunby (Birmingham) to the blade spine.  It is also inspector stamped near the blade forte.  The grip is leather on a wood and cord core.  The sword comes with its original iron scabbard that has been painted back – quite common – most found do not come with a scabbard.  Condition is typical of this pattern of sword with general age wear to the hilt and blade.  Austria seems to have been the inspiration for the famous 1796 Pattern Heavy Cavalry Trooper’s Sword.  It is an almost direct copy of an Austrian Model 1775 Curassiers Sword.  Although a rather fearsome looking weapon, in practice it did not match up to its French counterpart, and tended to inflict wounding, rather than mortal cuts.  Heavy in the hand and unwieldy, it took a strong man to use this sword effectively.  Sergeant Ewart of the Scots Greys was just such a person, and his account of desperate combat during the Battle of Waterloo, shows him carving up a number of Frenchmen with this sword.  His success was probably enabled by the fact that he stood well over 6ft 4” tall, quite unusual for men of that time.  This is a scarce sword as many were worn out over time and simply discarded.  It had a long service life which included issue to militia units and export to the colonies, particularly India.  A large number were also supplied to the Admiralty in the 1840’s, when old blades were required for cutlasses.  Most will be found without scabbard and with two types of blade – hatchet and spear point – this sword has a hatchet point.  Spear points are likely to be pre-Waterloo as a General Order was given just before the battle to re-grind the swords to a spear point in imitation of the blades carried by French curassiers.  The langets were also removed (as in this example) and the sharp inner edge of the disc guard was cut back to avoid fraying of the uniform.  Blade length is 34.5 inches (40 inches overall).

NOTE: These swords were given a long and hard service life and few have survived intact and with the anniversary of Waterloo next year, this iconic sword can only increase substantially in value so if you want a complete example then it is best to get one now before prices go mad.

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A good example of a British 1803 Pattern Infantry Officer’s Sword – Grenadier Officer.  This is a classic British Napoleonic infantry officer’s sword that would have been carried by an officer in a Grenadier company.  By 1800, this type of curved sabre had already been unofficially adopted by many light infantry officers, and it was only a matter of time before official recognition came in 1803.  It is one of the most attractive of British pattern swords and has numerous subtle variations in design, most notably to the royal cypher on the knuckle-bow and the lions-head pommel.  The knuckleguard can also feature either a bugle or flaming grenade above the royal crown, denoting use by both grenadiers and rifle companies.  Its curved, cavalry type blade borrowed much from the eastern scimitar, and it quickly enjoyed quite a vogue amongst officers returning from the recent Egyptian campaigns. Although apparently unsuited to fighting on the ground (its curved blade would have been more effective when slashed from the saddle), style over substance seems to have won the day.  Lieutenant William Smith of the 77th Foot (Middlesex Regiment) carried this pattern as he “hewed and slashed his way through the enemy” before succumbing to his many wounds at the Battle of Ciudad Rodrigo in the Peninsular War. The sword comprises a gilt brass lionshead hilt that is very finely detailed and the grip is covered with fishskin and copper twistwire – some losses.  What makes this sword an attractive example is the numerous etching to the blade that includes the royal cypher of King George III, royal coat of arms, extensive foliage, classical figures, stands of trophies and winged victory.  The sword is maker marked to Osborn and Gunby (Birmingham) at the blade forte.  Blade with appropriate age wear.  No scabbard.  Blade length is 28 inches (33 inches overall).

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A fine example of a British 1831 Pattern General and Staff Officer’s Mameluke Sword.  The introduction of the 1831 Pattern followed a longstanding vogue for mameluke-style swords in the British Army.  The Duke of Wellington had been an early promoter of this design during the Napoleonic Wars and by 1831, it was firmly established within cavalry (particularly, Hussar) regiments.  It is a pattern of sword still worn by British General Officers, and originally came with a leather and gilt brass mounted scabbard for dress wear, and a plain brass version for all other occasions.  In 1898, the scabbard was changed from brass to plated steel.  A brown leather field service scabbard was also produced for active service.  I doubt very much whether the pattern would have been used for combat, as it is a pretty useless weapon.  A standard regulation infantry officer’s sword would most likely have been carried, and the 1831 Pattern relegated for dress occasions.  This sword dates from the 19th Century (probably c.1880) and comprises an attractive ivory slab grip with gilt brass inset rosettes (one replacement).  The crossguard has the crossed sword and baton inset in the hilt cartouche.  The blade is very finely etched with the retailer’s name of Webb and Bonella of London.  The blade also includes victory laurels, crossed sword and baton, royal “VR” cypher and crown.  Blade on excellent condition with only light wear near the forte.  Complete with original and correct brass scabbard.  Blade length is 32 inches (37 inches overall).

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A rare British 1907 Pattern Military Gymnasium Sword.  These swords were issued to cavalry troops in order to train them in swordsmanship and came in a number of previous patterns (1864 Pattern, 1895 Pattern, 1899 Pattern, 1904 Pattern, 1907 Pattern and 1911 Pattern).  These swords were modelled on fencing sabres and this example comprises a hollow aluminium-alloy, deeply chequered grip with a screwdriver slot to enable the blade to be easily replaced as they were very flexible and consequently liable to break in service.  This sword was made by Wilkinson Sword and is marked to the blade forte and dated to 1911 so would have been in use right up until it was replaced by the 1911 Pattern.  The hilt is of bowl type and the blade has a folded button “point”.  Condition of the sword is very good with only light service wear.  These swords would naturally not have been supplied with scabbards.  Blade length is 34.5 inches (41 inches overall).  Am selling two of these swords.

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A rare British 1907 Pattern Military Gymnasium Sword.  These swords were issued to cavalry troops in order to train them in swordsmanship and came in a number of previous patterns (1864 Pattern, 1895 Pattern, 1899 Pattern, 1904 Pattern, 1907 Pattern and 1911 Pattern).  These swords were modelled on fencing sabres and this example comprises a hollow aluminium-alloy, deeply chequered grip with a screwdriver slot to enable the blade to be easily replaced as they were very flexible and consequently liable to break in service.  The hilt is of bowl type and the blade has a folded button “point”.  Condition of the sword is very good with only light service wear.  These swords would naturally not have been supplied with scabbards.  Blade length is 34.5 inches (41 inches overall).  Am selling two of these swords.

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An excellent example of a British 1822 Pattern Infantry Officer’s Sword.  This is an early Victorian (c.1840) infantry officer’s sword and is of levee style meaning that it has  a slim blade that would have been suitable for dress purposes e.g. regimental balls and social occasions.  The sword comprises a gilt brass Gothic Hilt with the royal cypher of Queen Victoria (1837-1901) inset in cartouche.  The grip retains all the original fishskin covering and silver twistwire.  The blade is of pipe back form with a ribbed spine meant to give the blade extra strength.  The blade is etched with the royal cypher and “VR” of Queen Victoria, victory laurel and foliage.  There is a faint maker/retailer mark of __ etched to the blade forte.  This fine sword comes complete with its original leather and gilt brass mounted scabbard.  Condition is very good throughout.  Blade length is 32 inches (37 inches overall).

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An attractive Antique North African Tuareg Dagger and Scabbard.  This was probably owned by a Tuareg chief and comprises a distinctively styled brass, copper and bone mounted hilt.  The blade is very curved and double-edged – still very sharp.  The design of these North African daggers seems peculiarly original and have not seen any similar styled daggers from this part of Africa or anywhere else.  The dagger comes complete with an extensively decorated and incised brass and copper scabbard with raised rectangular and triangular decoration.  Condition is excellent overall and the blade is also in fine shape.  Blade length is 6.5 inches (12.5 inches overall).

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A scarce and original French Late-18th Century Military Naval Cutlass.  With brass hilt and wooden grip.  This cutlass is similar to the “Sartines” type that is noted in ‘Le Sabre D’Abordage’ by Michel Petard (pages 69-71) and differs in that it has a simple knuckleguard as opposed the unusual pierced and rounded knuckleguard.  These French naval cutlasses have a very distinctive raised pommel.  The blade is wide and slightly curved and typical of French Napoleonic boarding cutlasses of the period.  Condition of the cutlass is good with a dark and smooth age patina to the blade.  Blade length is 24.5 inches (29 inches overall).

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An original British Victorian 19th Century Army Officer’s Sword Belt.  These belts are quite hard to come by as most of them have been discarded over the years or just fallen apart.  This example comprises a brass buckle with applied white metal royal cypher of Queen Victoria (1837-1901), royal crown and victory wreath to either side. The leather belt is sewn with silver bullion wire and there is a smaller gilt brass, double-lionshead buckle.  These sword belts were carried by both infantry and cavalry officers and I would date this one to around 1860-1880.  Condition is good although it has seen some service wear.  Have measured the belt and I would say that it would fit a man with a waistline of around 30 inches – soldiers were much slimmer then!

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A scarce Model 1840 Light Artillery Sword – US Civil War Import.  Completely unmarked.  This sword is quite rare as they were produced in far fewer numbers than the infantry and cavalry due to the relatively smaller size of the artillery regiments.  This sword was probably manufactured in either France or Germany and imported into the North during the early part of the Civil War when the home nations could not produce enough swords for their own troops.  Sword makers such as Ames took over production of this pattern as the war progressed but these swords will be marked to the sword companies and with inspector’s stamps.  ne of the reasons that we find these imports unmarked is that the European sword companies did not want to be identified as many of them supplied both the Union and Confederate forces.  Condition of the sword is good with all leather and brass twistwire remaining to the grip.  Comes complete with its original iron scabbard.  Blade length is 32 inches (37 inches overall).

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A superb and unique Scottish 1827 Pattern Presentation Lanarkshire Rifles Officer’s Sword.  This sword is in terrific condition and has a completely mint blade and features a very finely etched blade comprising a presentation panel that reads:  “Presented to Lieut. W M Scott 50th Lanarkshire (Press) Rifle Corps by Numerous Friends and as a Mark of Respect Glasgow 24th March 1860.”  The sword is of typical 1827 Pattern Rifle Officer’s type and includes a plated hilt and scabbard – all original.  The grip is covered in fishskin and silver twistwire – one small piece missing to top.  The owner of the sword was a local author and the sword comes complete with a copy of his novel, The Red Rose A Tale of Upper Clydesdale.  The book is inscribed by the author to his daughter, Agnes and dated 1879.  Cannot really fault this sword and nice to have some personal history aswell.  Blade length is 32.5 inches (38 inches overall).

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A scarce German Late-19th Century Saxon Artillery Officer’s Sword.  This is a sword that would have been carried by an officer of the State of Saxony serving in an artillery regiment.  It comprises a brass hilt with lions-head pommel and state coat of arms to the hilt knuckleguard.  The grip is wrapped in leather with copper twistwire.  The blade is plain and multi-fullered and the sword comes complete with its original scabbard.  Condition is good overall with some light service wear.  There are some similar examples of this sword to be found in the book, ‘Blankwaffen aus Drei Jahrhunderten’ by Klaus Hilbert, pages 120-122.  Blade length is 26 inches (31 inches overall).

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A scarce French Model 1842 Yataghan Sword Bayonet and Scabbard with ribbed brass grip and distinctive yataghan-shaped blade.  This bayonet is much rarer than the Model 1866 Chassepot Bayonet that is the more commonly encountered French sword bayonet of the 19th Century – many still remain in circulation.   There are maker’s and inspector’s stamps to the blade forte and a number “14” to one side.  The bayonet is of heavy and robust construction and when attached to the rifle, would have made the combination particularly unwieldy and uncomfortable.  The sword bayonet appears is dated to 1863. Condition of the bayonet is good with some commensurate age wear to the blade.  Complete with scabbard.

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A complete Post-1953 Scottish Highland Piper’s Dirk and Scabbard.  This is a modern example that looks to have been issued to serving Scottish Highland troops and features a composite moulded grip with polished metal studs.  The pommel is of “Queens Crown” form and the blade is acid etched with a British broad arrow stamp to the blade forte.  There is some wear to the hilt and it looks as if it has been worn and used, indicating military use, rather than being a purely decorative piece.  The scabbard is leather with plated metal mounts.  Condition is good overall.  Blade length is 11.5 inches (17.5 inches overall).

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A very good US WW1 Model 1917 Remington Bayonet and Scabbard.  The condition of the bayonet is excellent and it retains all the original blueing to the hilt and parkerising to the  blade.  The blade forte is stamped with the date of 1917 and the Remington name within an oval.  These bayonets were produced by both Remington and Winchester and large quantities were shipped over to the United Kingdom during WW2 and many were ultimately issued to the Home Guard.  To the reverse of the bayonet is a US Army Ordnance mark of a flaming grenade, “US” and ordnance marks.  The bayonet comes complete with original painted green leather scabbard.  Blade length is 17 inches (21.5 inches overall).  A nice addition to a collection of US military bayonets.

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A rare Spanish or Portuguese 18th Century Cutlass Military Hanger Sword.  With iron bowl hilt and ribbed brass grip.  Have seen similar examples over the years and they could have fulfilled a naval or army use.  Definitely of official military issue and pattern.  With a straight, single-fullered and double-edged blade towards the point.  Is quite a substantial and heavy sword for its size and would have been carried by a private soldier.With three-branched bowl hilt and prominent tang button.  In worn condition to the bowl hilt and blade– might even have come out of the sea or from a river – probably lost or discarded during combat and retrieved many years later.  An interesting piece for the collector of antique Spanish or Portuguese edged weaponry.  Blade length is 27 inches (33 inches overall)

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A good example of the French Model 1866 Yataghan Sword Bayonet and Scabbard. This is a 19th Century French infantry soldier’s sword bayonet for the Chassepot bayonet.  With cast brass ribbed grip and a distinctive yataghan blade.  There are maker’s and inspector’s stamps to the blade forte.  The bayonet is of heavy and robust construction and when attached to the rifle, would have made the combination particularly unwieldy and uncomfortable.  It is dated to the blade on the spine and also has impressed maker marks to the blade forte.  Complete with steel scabbard.  Blade length is 23 inches (27.5 inches overall).

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A fine and rare English C.1650 Hunting Military Hanger Sword.  This is the type of sword that was used both as a hunting sword and also a short military hanger.  The rather simple design of the sword and lack of overt decoration makes me wonder if it had a functional military purpose and was issued to foot soldiers.  The sword comprises an iron hilt with distinctive pierced shellguard and D-shaped knucklebow that is not attached to the pommel – this was a very typical feature of military swords of the 17th Century.  The downward quillon is also quite long with a rounded finial.  The grip is made from staghorn and the blade is plain and single-fullered, double-edged towards the point.  Condition of the sword is very good for its great age and there is consequent age staining to the blade.  The hilt is in fine shape, with no repairs or restoration.  Blade length is 21 inches (25 inches overall).

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An excellent and highly original French European 17th Century Hunting Military Hanger Sword.  This is a sword of high quality and comprises a carved ivory hilt with human-head pommel.  The deeply cut iron crossguard and quillons are of swirling style and end with human-head quillons.  The blade has a wide, single fuller that runs for the full length of the blade.  The blade is plain and unmarked.  I would guess that this was the type of sword that would have been carried by a gentleman of high status as it would costed a considerable amount of money to purchase at the time.  Ironically, this is probably being sold at a cheaper price now when compared to what it would have cost in the 17th Century.  The sword is in good condition overall – there has been some damage to the top of the ivory hilt on one side and there is an age rack to the other side – quite normal in swords of this great age.  Blade length is 18.5 inches (25.5 inches overall).

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SOLD