The British pattern 1822 infantry sergeant’s sword was, along with the officer’s variant, the first of the “Gothic hilted” swords. The half-basket guard was also the first of its kind adopted by the British military.
The 808mm slightly curved Sergeant’s pattern blade has a flat spine above a three-quarter length fuller and terminates in a quill point. The blade is without etching. The leather washer is present and the blade is in generally good condition with areas of mild tarnish and some pitting. The edge has some use related nicks and was service sharpened. It retains a fighting edge.
The Gothic brass guard is fixed (unlike the officer’s variant) and bears an oval cartouche containing King William IV (1830-1837) Royal cypher. The guard is in good condition. The shagreen grip is in good condition with its copper wire intact and tight. The hilt’s back strap has acanthus style decoration flowing into the stepped oval pommel. The pommel is finished with a flower head tang button. The blade is firm in the hilt.
The sword is complete with its leather scabbard with brass fittings. The locket has an oval frog stud. The leather is in good condition, with age appropriate wear and marks. There is an old repair below the locket which is all but unnoticeable. The stitching is intact. The sword sheathes and draws smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard.
This is a good example of a scarce William IV infantry sergeant’s sword.
