This British 1821/50 pattern Royal Artillery officer’s sword belonged to Captain Robert Marquis of the 1st Lancashire (Liverpool) Artillery Volunteers. The sword was made in 1866 by Robert Mole of Birmingham.
The 880mm blade is single edged with a flat spine over a broad, three-quarter length single fuller. The slightly curved blade terminates in a spear point. The blade is double-edged for the final 280mm. The blade retains its factory sharpened edges. The spine bears the serial number 955, which is not a typical Mole serial number so may be the cutler’s catalogue number for the bespoke etching.
The blade is crisply etched with scrolled foliate panels above the winged lightning bolts of the Artillery and the legend, “Artillery Volunteers.” A laurelled panel on the forte is etched with the owners’ name, “Robert Marquis.” The ricasso bears a brass proof stud associated with Robert Mole. The obverse is etched with similar foliate scrollwork above a flaming grenade and field gun.
The blade is in excellent condition.
The three-bar steel guard is in great condition. The shagreen covered grip is also in great condition. The three strands of wire binding are intact and tight. The blade is firm in the hilt.
The sword is complete with its polished steel scabbard with twin suspension rings. The scabbard is in great condition, retaining its original polish and is free from damage and dents. The sword sheathes and draws smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard.
This is a near mint condition example of a named Victorian Royal Artillery officer’s sword by a top maker.
