This scarce P1821 British Light Cavalry officer’s sword bears the Royal Cypher of King William IV, dating it to between June 1830 and June 1837.
The 890mm pipe back blade is single-edged and terminates in a quill point. The slightly curved blade is double-edged for the last 250mm. The sword retains its fighting edge.
The blade is in excellent condition with a minor patch of very shallow pitting towards the point. The blade is undecorated apart from King William IV’s crowned Royal cypher which is etched on the forte. The cypher is very clear on both sides.
The steel three-bar cavalry guard is in excellent condition with minimal wear and marks from use. The guard has the long, curved quillon often seen on early examples and a plain steel back strap with slightly raised, lozenge shaped thumb section finished with a stepped oval pommel.
The grip is strong and secure. The shagreen is in excellent condition and the three strands of twisted silver wire are intact and tight. The blade is firm in the hilt.
The steel scabbard is in very good condition and holds the sword well. The scabbard has some small dents above the shoe. The polished steel remains bright and free of rust. The sword sheathes and draws smoothly.
This is an excellent example of a scarce 1821 pattern light cavalry officer’s sword bearing the clearly etched cypher of King William IV, who only reigned for seven years.
