Dutch Guards Regiment Officers Sword

[Radboud]

Following Norman's lovely smallsword / spadroon that he shared with us in this post, I thought to share this sword that I believe shares a connection.







I acquired this sword a while back not knowing what it was, but I liked the boatshell guard and the ebony grip. By luck I happened on a site that described it as an Officers sword of the State Army 1770 - 1800 (before the dissolution of the Batiave Republic.



The sword was identified by Dr Ger Hof, a Dutch sword collector and expert on the topic, as a specific pattern based on existing examples and this painting of Johan Pieter Reigersman in the uniform of a lieutenant of the lifeguards (grenadiers) of the 2nd battalion, Regiment Hollandse Guards (on foot).



Norman's sword reminded me a lot of the one in the painting.

[Norman McCormick]

Hi Radboud,
Lovely sword and great that you got a definite attribution something that is not always possible. I have attached a further photo of the hilt of my sword and a copy of an article on an identified English officers sword. First notice the similarity of the boatshell guard and d-guard on your sword and the English officers sword. Second the similarity of the d-guard, grip and pommel on my sword and the English officers sword. Seems to me there is a common source for parts or certainly a fashion element used by different manufacturers/suppliers/assemblers.
My Regards,
Norman.

[Radboud]

That's a great find Norman, I'm struck by the similarities between the three hilts, especially between your sword and the one in the article.