The Honourable Artillery Company (HAC) was incorporated by King Henry VIII in 1537 and is the oldest regiment in the British Army. This 1870 pattern HAC officers’ sword was made around 1875 and retailed by Prater & Co., of London.
The 758mm broadsword blade has a lozenge cross section with a raised medial ridge running to the spear point. The blade is in good condition with minor, small spots of tarnish and a couple of tiny spots of shallow pitting towards the point. The double-edged blade was service sharpened.
The blade is etched with foliate scrollwork within trefoil arches and the crest of the Honourable Artillery Company, an armoured arm between wings bearing the cross of St. George and holding a mace. Below the crest is the oval badge of the HAC showing the motto: “Arma Pacis Fulcra” (Armed strength for peace).
The obverse of the blade is etched with arches and foliate scrollwork above and below the calligraphed initials, HAC. The forte bears the cutler’s details, Prater & Co., Bedford St., Covent Garden, London. The blade etchings are worn.
The gilt brass guard is in good condition and retains its gilding. The rear facing quillon is stamped with a flower and the front of the guard bears the regimental flaming grenade. The shagreen grip is in good condition and the twisted wire is intact and tight. The blade is firm in the hilt.
The sword is complete with its black leather scabbard with gilt brass locket and chape. The locket bears a flower head frog stud. The leather of the scabbard is in good condition with a near-invisible period repair. The stitched seam is intact. The sword sheathes and draws smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard.
This is a good example of a scarce Honourable Artillery Company officer’s sword.
