1803 Pattern

Collection #: 2020.007
Type: Infantry Officer
Nationality: British
Pattern: 1803
Date: 1803 - 1822
Hilt: Brass
Blade Length: 75.5cm (29 3/4")
Blade Width: 3.5cm (1 3/8")
Overall Length: 88cm (34 5/8")
Maker: No Markings

I would like to say that this is an early example of this very collectible sword due to the less then common and overly curved (though I have seen worse) blade. However, due to the variety of slight differences amongst this pattern that is not necessarily the case.

It has a brass guard with lion head pommel and pierced GR (for King George III) in the knuckle guard. The knuckle guard itself is loose at the blade due to a break at the junction of the guard and the pommel where the sword knot would attach. The fishskin handle (worn on the left side were the tops of your fingers would rest) with copper twist wire, backstrap and pommel are tight with no movement.

Again we have a blade that has been perhaps over zealously cleaned causing the decorations to be faint. The (more than usual) curved blade begins on the right side with a burst of leaves into a flower. Next, between to arrow like borders is a trophy of arms consisting of two crossed spears, two crossed cannons, with a single halberd through the middle and a circular shield on top. Surmounting the trophy of arms is a dragoon type helmet. After the top border is another floral and berry amongst leaf design. The left side is a little rougher. The decoration at the forte is obliterated due to finger prints. The remnants of the decoration there lead into a floral display and then into a crowned GR (only stray lines left) and then into a repeat of the trophy of arms found on the right side, minus the helmet on top. It then concludes with further floral decorations.  

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