This scarce 1821 pattern light cavalry sword was made in Birmingham by Gill. Gill made P1821 light cavalry swords are scarce, the majority of this pattern having been made by Reeves & Co., Birmingham or at the Royal Small Arms Factory, Enfield.
The 900mm slightly curved blade has a thick, flat spine above a wide, three-quarter length fuller. The blade is double-edged for the final 210mm and terminates in a spear point. The blade is in overall good condition with a mild speckled patina and some very shallow spots of pitting at the point on one side. The blade has been service sharpened and retains a fighting edge.
The blade is firm in the iron three-bar hilt. The bars of the guard are in good condition with a speckled patina and some shallow pitting. The contoured wooden grip retains its original black leather and is in good condition.
The sword is complete with its polished iron scabbard with twin suspension rings and asymmetrical, lyre-shaped shoe. The maker’s name, “Gill’s” is stamped just below the mouth. The scabbard is in overall good condition with a speckled patina and patches of shallow pitting. One of the two screws that fixes the scabbard mouth is missing. The sword sheathes and draws smoothly.
This is a scarce Gill made example of an increasingly hard to find 1821 light cavalry sword.
