Post 1845 Victorian British Stockport Rifle Volunteers (Cheshire) 1822 Pattern Infantry Officer’s Sword With Etched & Blue Blade, Brass Gothic Style Pierced Basket Hilt & Scabbard. Sn 22426:58 Sword

Post 1845 Victorian British Stockport Rifle Volunteers (Cheshire) 1822 Pattern Infantry Officer’s Sword With Etched & Blue Blade, Brass Gothic Style Pierced Basket Hilt & Scabbard. Sn 22426:58 - 22426:58

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 4th 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 Stockport Rifle Volunteers (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. Pre 1845 these swords had pipe back blades. Post 1845 they were made with slightly curved fullered blades (see page 173 of World Swords by Withers & Page 159 of Robson). This original Stockport Volunteer Rifles infantry Officer's Pattern 1822 sword has a post 1845, 32 ½” single edged fullered curved blade (38 ¼” overall). The blued blade has foliate etched decoration on both sides. There are no maker or date marks on the blade. One side of the blade has The etched Rifle Brigade ‘hung Bugle’ badge and ‘Stockport Rifle Volunteers’ and etched proof star with inlaid brass roundel. The reverse has Queen’s crown Royal Cypher ‘VR’ (Victoria Regina). The gothic style voided brass guard has stylised Royal Cypher VR & Queen’s Crown in the centre. The bar guard is fully intact. It has the correct folding 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 brass mounted leather scabbard which has a frog locket on the throat mount. All leather and stitching are intact. The leather has areas of surface scuffing consistent with age & service use. The price includes UK delivery. Sn 22426:58

£975.00