This sword was carried as a dress sword not only by heavy cavalry officers, but also by officers of the militia (viz Dighton's drawings of the period). The forte has the maker's mark 'Drury Warranted', only just visible on account of old corrosion. This was a firm of goldsmiths who became sword cutlers about 1789, working from 32 Strand, W. London.
William Drury, who sold this sword, was also 'Cutler to his Majesty', his firm making silver hilts for hangers, sabres and smallswords since about 1770. The firm started as goldsmiths in 1711.
There are everal dents to the scabbard of this fairly hard to find sword, with numerous brazing repairs to the seam. The grip has been carefully rewired with modern fuse wire, which is too thin but does not present an unpleasing appearance as it has been carefully aged. No trace of gilding remains to the hilt and the blade has suffered some corrosion and has then been cleaned down.
If you want to comment on this item—re quality, age, etc—please email me.
[Edged Weapons : Swords : British : 19th Century]
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