Victorian British Firmin & Sons London 1822 Pattern Infantry Officer’s Sword With Gilt Brass Guard Etched Blade To The 1st Manchester (Volunteer) Rifles & Steel Scabbard. Sn 22090 Sword

Victorian British Firmin & Sons London 1822 Pattern Infantry Officer’s Sword With Gilt Brass Guard Etched Blade To The 1st Manchester (Volunteer) Rifles & Steel Scabbard. Sn 22090 - 22090

Originally raised as the King’s Royal Rifle Corps in 1755, the Rifle Brigade was officially formed in 1800. The Manchester Volunteer Rifles were raised in 1859/60. Their expansion in WW1 as eighteen battalions of the Manchester Regiment saw the Regiment play a significant role in the Great War. 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 (see page 173 of World Swords by Withers & Page 159 of Robson). This original infantry Officer's Pattern 1822 sword has a clean 32 ½” single edged steel blade (38 ½” overall).. The blade is signed by the maker or retailer ‘Firmin & Sons 153 Strand London’ and has ordnance acceptance star and inlaid proof roundel. Both sides of the blade have etched decoration featuring foliate panels Queen’s crown VR Royal Cypher, ‘First Manchester Rifles’ within scrolling banners and heradic arms of Manchester with motto ‘From Acorns Spring Oaks’. The gilded brass gothic style voided guard has stylised Royal Cypher Queen’s crown ‘VR’ (Victoria Regina). Its fish skin grip with finger grooves & wire binding is in excellent condition. The sword is complete with its steel scabbard which has 2 steel hanging rings. The price includes UK delivery. Sn 22090

£675.00