This 1821 pattern Heavy Cavalry officer’s sword belonged to Edward Ernest Hugh Riley of the 2nd Dragoon Guards (Queens’ Bays). The sword bears his initials and family coat of arms.
The 885mm blade has a flat spine above a broad single fuller. The blade terminates in a double-edged spear point and is in excellent condition, retaining its original polish. There are some small spots of tarnish on the ricasso and pinprick spots along the edge at the tip on one side.
The blade is deeply etched with trefoil and ogee arches and foliate scrollwork above the designation, 2nd Dragoon Guards Queen’s Bays and a belted cartouche containing the cypher of Queen Victoria and the motto “Honi Soit Qui Mal Y Pense.” Below this is a ribbon containing the battle honour “Lucknow.” The regiment received this battle honour after their famous charge against the rebels at the capture of Lucknow in March 1858 during the Indian Rebellion. The forte bears the coat of arms of the Riley family, a serpent wrapped around a tree within a crown-like crenelation. The initials EEHR are etched below.
The obverse of the blade bears trefoil and ogee arches, foliate scrollwork and the rayed crown and cypher of Queen Victoria. The ricasso is etched with the makers’ details, E. Thurkle. Maker. Soho, London. The obverse ricasso bears a Thurkle proof disk. The blade spine bears a centre of percussion arrow.
The second pattern “honeysuckle” guard is in reasonable condition with cleaned pitting. The part-knurled back strap is finished with a stepped oval pommel and button through which the tang is peened. The shagreen grip has use related wear. The original silvered wire strands are intact and tight. The blade is firm in the hilt.
The iron scabbard has twin suspension rings and is in fair condition, without dents and with cleaned pitting along its length. The sword sheathes and draws smoothly.
This scarce 1821 pattern heavy cavalry sword has an excellent, named blade, made by a top English maker and crisply etched to the prestigious 2nd Dragoon Guards, The Queens’ Bays.
