This is an early example of the British 1822 pattern infantry officers’ sword bearing the cipher of King George IV who reigned from 1820-1830.
The 1822 infantry sword was the first of the iconic Gothic hilted British infantry swords that remained in service through the reigns of George IV, William IV and Queen Victoria. In 1845, the pipe back blade was replaced with the “Wilkinson” pattern blade and in 1854, the folding guard became fixed. Examples of Victorian Gothic hilted swords are relatively common. Those from the reigns of William IV and George IV are scarce, the latter being the hardest to find.
The 820mm slightly curved blade has a pipeback and single edge, terminating in a double-edged quill point. The blade was service sharpened and retains its fighting edge.
The blade is etched on both sides with King George IV Royal cypher. The forte of the blade is etched with the maker’s details:
SALTER, sword cutler to the Duke of Sussex. London. The 200-year-old blade is in good condition with pale speckled tarnish and some very shallow pitting. The blade retains much of its original polish.
The Gothic guard (so called because the bars form Gothic arches) retains some original gilding and the folding section is in perfect working order. The guard bears an oval cartouche containing the royal cipher of King George IV. The back strap has a stylised acanthus design, terminating in a stepped oval pommel. The blade is firm in the hilt.
The shagreen wrapped grip is in good condition with age and use-related wear to the shagreen. All strands of grip wire are intact and tight.
The sword is complete with its original leather scabbard with brass fittings, two suspension rings and an ornate frog stud. The brass locket and ring band are in good condition with minor use related marks. The rear of the locket is engraved with the makers’ details:
SALTER. Sword cutler to HRH the Duke of Sussex. Corner of the Adelphi, 73 Strand. London. John Salter traded from this address and advertised as cutler to the Duke of Sussex (George IV’s brother) from 1823 until 1830.
The scabbard leather is in good, aged condition with slight crazing to the original finish. The brass chape has a braised repair and a small split on the seam at the top. The sword sheathes and draws smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard.
This is a good example of a rare George IV 1822 Pattern infantry officer’s pipeback sword from a sought-after maker.
