Mole court-sword conundrum

Jim McDougall · 1st April 2024, 04:24 AM

Keith, this is a beauty!! and you are really hittin' it with this shopping list!
The closest thing to this anomaly is in "Swords of the British Army" (Brian Rbson, 1975. plate 91) which is loosely similar, but a pattern 1814 sword for officers on Household Cavalry. In text on p.89 it is noted the plaque with lion and crown was for Household Cavalry.

Obviously with the royal cypher of Queen Victoria this sword is post 1837, and Robert Mole & Sons were not producing officers swords like this until later in 19th c.
Robson notes(op.cit.p.87) that "....the introduction in 1822 of printed dress regulations for officers specified a number of different patterns of sword for the Household Cavalry but the descriptions are notably lacking in precision and there are no illustrations. Hence precise identifications are difficult".

Officers swords in the 19th c. seem to have had patterns which remained in use for very long periods, and with the degree of latitude officers were allowed, especially in these elite units, it seems one off or very limited forms of hilt must have occurred,

This seems of course Household Cavalry, but I can only guess it must be of a VERY limited run pattern, possibly even one off.

Possibly some of the guys who are more specialized in key and well pedigreed British officers swords on 19th c. (Bryce & Radboud) might have seen another example.

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1st April 2024, 04:24 AM	#2
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,281	Keith, this is a beauty!! and you are really hittin' it with this shopping list! The closest thing to this anomaly is in "Swords of the British Army" (Brian Rbson, 1975. plate 91) which is loosely similar, but a pattern 1814 sword for officers on Household Cavalry. In text on p.89 it is noted the plaque with lion and crown was for Household Cavalry. Obviously with the royal cypher of Queen Victoria this sword is post 1837, and Robert Mole & Sons were not producing officers swords like this until later in 19th c. Robson notes(op.cit.p.87) that "....the introduction in 1822 of printed dress regulations for officers specified a number of different patterns of sword for the Household Cavalry but the descriptions are notably lacking in precision and there are no illustrations. Hence precise identifications are difficult". Officers swords in the 19th c. seem to have had patterns which remained in use for very long periods, and with the degree of latitude officers were allowed, especially in these elite units, it seems one off or very limited forms of hilt must have occurred, This seems of course Household Cavalry, but I can only guess it must be of a VERY limited run pattern, possibly even one off. Possibly some of the guys who are more specialized in key and well pedigreed British officers swords on 19th c. (Bryce & Radboud) might have seen another example.