The Cheshire Regiment was a line infantry regiment of the British Army, part of the Prince of Wales' Division. The 22nd Regiment of Foot was raised by the Duke of Norfolk in 1689 and was able to boast an independent existence of over 300 years. The 1st Volunteer Battalion was formed in 1860. The regiment was expanded in 1881 as part of the Childers Reforms by the linking of the 22nd (Cheshire) Regiment of Foot and the militia and rifle volunteers of Cheshire. The title 22nd (Cheshire) Regiment continued to be used within the regiment. On 1 September 2007, the Cheshire Regiment was merged with the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment (29th/45th Foot) and the Staffordshire Regiment (Prince of Wales's) to form a new large regiment, the Mercian Regiment, becoming the 1st Battalion, Mercian Regiment. The Stockport Armoury building (Armoury Street, Stockport) was the Headquarters of the Cheshire Volunteer Rifles in 1862. The 1822 pattern sword was a radical departure from previous designs, having a ‘gothic’ style pierced basket hilt so named after its resemblance to window shapes in gothic architecture and folding langet on one side. (see page Page 159 of Robson’s swords of the British Army). This original 1st Volunteer Battalion Cheshire Regiment infantry Officer's Pattern 1822 sword has a post 1845, 32 ½” single edged fullered blade (38 ¾” overall). The blade has blued and foliate etched decoration on both sides. One side of the blade has The etched Rifle Brigade ‘hung Bugle’ badge and ‘1st Volunteers Battn Cheshire Regt’ and etched proof star with inlaid brass roundel together with a stylised monogram possibly the initials of the Officer who owned this sword. The reverse has King Edward VII Royal Cypher ‘ER VII’ (King Edward VII Reigned 1901-1910), Heraldic arms and Maker / retailer name and address ‘Hobsons & Sons 1-3-5 Lexington St London W’. The gothic style voided brass guard has stylised Royal Cypher VR & Queen’s Crown in the centre. The bar guard is fully intact and has the later variant fixed bar langet on one side. Its fish skin grip with finger grooves & wire binding is in good condition with just light service wear. The sword is complete with its steel scabbard which has 2 hanging rings. The price includes UK delivery. Sn 22426:59
£795.00