Sword for ID

Iliad · 4th October 2011, 08:00 AM

Hi all, I shall be most obliged if anyone can help ID this sword. 41 inches overall length; no markings at all anywhere; one slender bar on the guard is broken; half of the guard folds down. Advice always appreciated.
Best regards,
Brian

Norman McCormick · 4th October 2011, 11:44 AM

Hi Brian,
This is an 1845 model British infantry officers sword. This style was introduced in 1822, folding guard and pipe back blade. In 1845 the blade type was changed to the Wilkinson designed spear point single fullered blade but still keeping the folding guard. In 1854 the folding guard was replaced by a rigid one of a similar design. This would place the manufacture of your sword to between 1845 and 1854 although these dates have proven to be somewhat flexible as to when the different models were actually put into use. An internet search will bring up lots of complete examples as yours, as I'm sure you know, is damaged with the guard cartouche missing. Hope this helps.
Regards,
Norman.

Jim McDougall · 4th October 2011, 06:10 PM

Brian, its great to have you posting, and thank you for sharing this most interesting sabre. We dont see many regulation pieces like this, and this one is rugged, just the way I like 'em!!! Think of the stories it could tell! Who knows, it was a pattern in use during the Crimean War, perhaps one of the officers who was there. Always fascinated by the accounts such as 'The Thin Red Line' and of course Battle of the Alma, Charge of the Light Brigade etc.

Beautifully described Norman, its great to have nicely detailed text giving us more on the general history of the pattern.
Nicely done guys, thank you!!!

All best regards,
Jim

Iliad · 4th October 2011, 09:42 PM

Gentlemen, thank you so much for the identification of my sword. I look at the Forum almost every day and am continually amazed at the depth of knowledge that members have.
Best regards,
Brian

4th October 2011, 08:00 AM	#1
Iliad Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 187	Sword for ID Hi all, I shall be most obliged if anyone can help ID this sword. 41 inches overall length; no markings at all anywhere; one slender bar on the guard is broken; half of the guard folds down. Advice always appreciated. Best regards, Brian Attached Images

4th October 2011, 11:44 AM	#2
Norman McCormick Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 1,596	Hi Brian, This is an 1845 model British infantry officers sword. This style was introduced in 1822, folding guard and pipe back blade. In 1845 the blade type was changed to the Wilkinson designed spear point single fullered blade but still keeping the folding guard. In 1854 the folding guard was replaced by a rigid one of a similar design. This would place the manufacture of your sword to between 1845 and 1854 although these dates have proven to be somewhat flexible as to when the different models were actually put into use. An internet search will bring up lots of complete examples as yours, as I'm sure you know, is damaged with the guard cartouche missing. Hope this helps. Regards, Norman.

4th October 2011, 06:10 PM	#3
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 9,940	Brian, its great to have you posting, and thank you for sharing this most interesting sabre. We dont see many regulation pieces like this, and this one is rugged, just the way I like 'em!!! Think of the stories it could tell! Who knows, it was a pattern in use during the Crimean War, perhaps one of the officers who was there. Always fascinated by the accounts such as 'The Thin Red Line' and of course Battle of the Alma, Charge of the Light Brigade etc. Beautifully described Norman, its great to have nicely detailed text giving us more on the general history of the pattern. Nicely done guys, thank you!!! All best regards, Jim

4th October 2011, 09:42 PM	#4
Iliad Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 187	Gentlemen, thank you so much for the identification of my sword. I look at the Forum almost every day and am continually amazed at the depth of knowledge that members have. Best regards, Brian