This scarce P1821 British heavy cavalry officer’s sabre bears the Royal Cypher of King William IV, dating it to between June 1830 and June 1837.
The 905mm pipe back blade is single-edged and terminates in a quill point. The slightly curved blade is double-edged for the last 270mm.
The blade is in very good condition and is undecorated apart from King William IV’s crowned and laureled Royal cypher on both sides. The forte is very faintly etched with the cutler’s details, Hamburger & Co., 30 King St. Covent Garden. London. The blade retains its original washer and remains bright with small patches of pale tarnish.
The second pattern “honeysuckle” guard is in excellent condition. The plain steel back strap, with slightly raised thumb section is finished with a stepped oval pommel and button through which the tang is peened.
The grip is strong and secure. The shagreen is in excellent condition and the three strands of twisted silver wire are intact and tight. The blade is firm in the hilt.
The iron scabbard is in very good condition and holds the sword well. The polished iron remains bright and free of rust. The sword sheathes and draws smoothly.
This is a very fine example of a scarce 1821 pattern heavy cavalry sword bearing the cypher of King William IV, who only reigned for seven years.
