The "Middlesex Volunteer Artillery" refers to various volunteer artillery units, associated with the county of Middlesex in England, particularly during the Victorian era and World War. This is an original Middlesex Regiment volunteer Officer’s privately commissioned side arm hanger short sword with British 1821 Pattern Light Cavalry / Volunteer Mounted Artillery Officer’s sword hilt & Scabbard (see page 94 Of Swords Of The British Army by Robson & page 99 of World Swords by Withers). It has a shorter than regulation 25” long blade with fullers and the short sword measures 31” overall length. The blade has its original leather hilt washer. It has the correct fish skin grip with wire binding which is intact and tight and correct 1821 pattern 3 bar guard hilt. The blade is clean and has quality etched panels on both sides consisting of foliate panels, Middlesex Artillery designation and martial arms & heraldic device above combined stylised monogram. The ricasso is marked on one side by the maker ‘Firmin & Sons 153 Strand & 13 Conduit St London’. This is not a shortened full length sword and was obviously made to the commissioning officer’s personal specifications for his use in the field. The lack of ordnance acceptance marks also confirms this is a private purchase piece. The steel scabbard obviously made for this sword has a frog locket. The scabbard has even patina and no damage. The price for this interesting, unusual Officer’s private purchase piece includes UK delivery. Sn 22645:8
£695.00