1807 Mameluke of the Imperial Guard?

[celtan]

Thanks Jim, as always, your comments make for very pleasant reading.

BTW; Before 2008 is over, I need to acknowledge the excellent work you have been performing as moderator and scholarly participant of our forum.

Huzzah for Jim!

Best regards

Manolo

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

Actually this simply cast 'Mamluk' style hilt does suggest some of the earlier musicians swords of post Napoleonic period, though I'm not sure of this one being specific to a regiment, at least not identifiably.
I finally found my copy of Robson! ("Swords of the British Army" 1975) where he notes on p.167, "...the peculiar position of regimental bandsmen in the 18th century and the early part of the 19th century meant, as a corollary, that there were originally no standard patterns for them", and that by 1800 there was a 'broad' uniformity developing with 'solid brass mameluke hilt', most of which typically had zoomorphic pommels.
It is noted that there were similar hilts in use by the French army at that time. These were likely influenced by the 1798 French expedition to Egypt and the subsequent British campaign there in 1801.

The integrally cast brass styling of this hilt seems very much like swords of these types, and as noted may suggest this sword to be either French or British of early 19th century, and distinctly reflecting the Ottoman hilt forms seen in Egypt during the described events.

All best regards,
Jim