OLDEST BRITISH ARMY REGIMENT**C1870 British Ordnance Proofed Honourable Artillery (HAC) Officer’s Sword By Kenning London With Etched Blade To ‘Richard White’, Bullion Cord & Portepee & Scabbard. Sn 22645:9 Sword

**OLDEST BRITISH ARMY REGIMENT**C1870 British Ordnance Proofed Honourable Artillery (HAC) Officer’s Sword By Kenning London With Etched Blade To ‘Richard White’, Bullion Cord & Portepee & Scabbard. Sn 22645:9 - 22645:9

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 30 ½” long, rapier type steel blade (36 ½” overall). The blade has light staining consistent with age. Both sides have foliate engraved panels, one side has stylised combined ‘HAC’ badge, name in banner ‘Richard White’ (most likely the Officer who carried this sword) and British Ordnance inlaid brass proof roundel. The reverse has foliate panels ‘HAC’ badge and maker / retailer name ‘Kenning Little Britain 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 hilt is fitted with original bullion cord and portepee which has some service wear. The sword is complete with its original brass mounted leather scabbard. The scabbard with brass shoe has 2 original brass hanging rings. The scabbard has no damage & all leather & stitching are intact. The price for this sword worthy of further research regarding the named officer includes UK delivery. Sn 22645:9

£945.00