The British pattern 1822 infantry sergeant’s sword was, along with the officer’s variant, the first of the “Gothic hilted” swords. The half-basket guard was also the first of its kind adopted by the British military. From 1852 onwards, only staff sergeants were issued with swords.
This Victorian staff sergeant's sword has an 812mm slightly curved blade with a flat spine above a long, broad fuller. The blade terminates in a quill point. The blade is without etching. The leather washer is present and the blade is in very good condition with a mild speckling of pale tarnish. The ricasso is marked by the cutler, Hobson & Sons, 1, 3 & 5 Lexington St. London. Hobson & Sons were retailers as opposed to a sword makers and supplied swords to the volunteer services as well as to commissioned officers of the regular forces.
The Gothic brass guard is fixed and bears an oval cartouche containing Queen Victoria’s Royal cypher. The background of the cypher is solid as opposed to pierced and this indicates that the sword is of post 1852 manufacture. The guard is in good condition. The shagreen grip is in good condition with its wire intact and tight. The hilt’s back strap has acanthus style decoration flowing into the stepped oval pommel. The blade is firm in the hilt.
The sword is complete with its leather scabbard with brass fittings. The scabbard is in excellent condition. The stitching is intact and tight. The sword sheathes and draws smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard.
This is a good example of a scarce infantry staff sergeant’s sword.
