These were carried as walking out and dress swords by the Heavy Cavalry officers and the Household Cavalry in the Napoleonic Wars. The combat sword was a much heavier affair with an iron hilt. These swords were also carried by generals and militia officers.
This probably dates from nearer the middle or end of the period (c 1810) on account of the silver wrap grip, which is the later variety in a pressed one-piece format. The silver wrap has separated, top half from bottom half, the bottom half can now rotate a little on its wooden core. However this does not affect the grip visually. There is also a small hole in the wrap on the reverse of the grip.Both these faults are typically found on many similar grips of this era.
This is a particularly fine example, sadly without a scabbard, but retaining virtually all its fire gilt finish on the guard, knuckle bow and pommel. The scabbard would have been leather and gilt with three mounts and, towards the end of the period, metal ones were worn as well. The blade is unmarked and thus possibly an English example rather than a Solingen import, which would normally have been marked.
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[Edged Weapons : Swords : British : 19th Century]
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