OLDEST BRITISH ARMY REGIMENT**C1870 British Honourable Artillery (HAC) Officer’s Sword By Warren London With Etched Blade & Scabbard. Sn 22645:5 Sword

**OLDEST BRITISH ARMY REGIMENT**C1870 British Honourable Artillery (HAC) Officer’s Sword By Warren London With Etched Blade & Scabbard. Sn 22645:5 - 22645:5

Established in 1537 the HAC is the oldest Regiment in the British army. It was primarily a citizen militia and raised in times of national emergency including the Armada, English Civil war and Napoleonic wars. Until the Victorian era, Officers would have followed regular infantry sword patterns. As this was a volunteer army, they would have to pay for all service equipment including their own swords. This sword highlights the strong influence of French sword design in that era, particularly with regard to the knuckle bow and angled or canted pommel (see page 175 of World Swords by Withers).This is a very good example of the HAC Officer’s Sword. Our example has a 31 ½” long, rapier type steel blade (37” overall). The blade has light staining consistent with age. Both sides have foliate engraved panels, one side has stylised combined ‘HAC’ monogram, the reverse has what looks like ‘WRN’ combined stylised monogram possibly the name of the Officer who commissioned this sword. The ricasso is signed by the maker or retailer ‘Warren 23 Cursitor Street, London’. It has brass guard with canted pommel and pierced upturned clamshell featuring the embossed ignited grenade artillery emblem. The undamaged fish skin covered hilt has its original copper wire binding which is tight and intact. The sword is complete with its original steel scabbard. The scabbard with brass shoe, fixed belt bar and mounts with 2 original brass hanging rings has no dents or damage. The price includes UK delivery. Sn 22645:5

£795.00