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Title Infantry officer's levee sword, 1822 pattern
Nationality British
Period c 1860
Sold

This is a rare survivor, with leather and gilt mounts, of an increasingly uncommon sword, namely the levee pattern, normally only found in a steel scabbard. This example, retailed by Levy of King William Street, Strand, London, belonged to H L Stirling, Royal Marines, and is accompanied by his warrant as a 1st Lieutenant, dated 1862.

The warrant is on fabric-backed paper, somewhat frail from age, with the signature of Queen Victoria at the top left and various other signatures to the bottom. The warrant describes him as 'Henry Luxmoore Stirling Gent. First Lieutenant in the Corps of Royal Marines'. The commission document on its own is worth ?100+ with the Queen's signature, but I am selling the two as a unit, as this is how I bought them.

The sword has its original black patent leather lining, somewhat frail and distressed in parts. The scabbard mounts appear to be lacquered. I have not endeavoured to remove this, having cleaned only the hilt, which was covered in old grease and varnish, traces of which remain. The blade has been stored in the damp at some stage and has been carefully hand cleaned, most of the etching is fairly clear, but the original frosted finish has vanished. There are small scattered patches of old pitting, mostly at the bottom end of the blade beyond the engraving. This sword could date to as early as the tail end of the Crimean War. I will look him up in an Army List to find out when he was first commissioned as 2nd Lt, which will give me the answer to this.

If you want to comment on this item—re quality, age, etc—please email me.


[Edged Weapons : Swords : British : 19th Century]

testimonials

The bayonet arrived yesterday in good order. Fits my musket perfectly. Quite pleased, and many thanks for a very satisfactory transaction.

L K, USA, 01.06.2016

[From a vendor, rather than a buyer]

I'm delighted that you are happy with the badge and I hope you can sell it to someone who will value owning it.

I tried to sell it on eBay but they won't accept Nazi items. I then contacted several dealers via a Google search who mostly offered me £40-£50 after some haggling. Most of the other dealers tried to conceal its true value in their replies and also lacked manners which doesn't inspire confidence.

Ultimately it's about trust. I should think that most prospective sellers have done their own research and therefore know roughly what their item is worth. You were the only dealer who had the integrity to concede that my valuation was approximately correct and I respect your comment that you can't offer this as you need to make a profit. Your honest approach is greatly appreciated and I felt comfortable taking the risk in sending it to you.

Thank you for a smooth transaction

C D, UK, 01.07.2015

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