This excellent 1821 pattern light cavalry officer’s sword was made in 1860 by George Alfred Pillin, a well renowned London maker. The blade bears the badge of the 1st Surrey Light Horse.
The 1st Surrey Mounted Rifle Corps was formed in Clapham on the 2nd April 1860. In February 1861 the corps was redesignated the 1st Surrey Light Horse. The corps had eleven officers under the commanding officer, Captain Walter Mellor.
The 870mm blade has a single edge and flat spine above a long single fuller. The blade is double-edged for the last 350mm and terminates in a spear point.
The blade is deeply etched with foliate scrollwork panels above and below the crowned badge of the 1st Surrey Light Horse on a matt grey background. The obverse is similarly etched with foliate panels and bears the ribboned and strung horn of the Rifles.
The ricasso bears the details, “PILLIN. Manufacturer. Gerrard St. London.” George Alfred Pillin worked from his premises at 31 Gerrard St, Soho. London from 1855 until 1880. The obverse ricasso bears a brass proof stud showing the word, PROVED over a Fleur-de-Lys.
The blade is in excellent condition, retaining its original polish with minimal small spots of pale tarnish. The high-quality etching is deep and clear.
The steel three-bar hilt has a long, rear facing curved quillon, a partly knurled backstrap and stepped oval pommel. The guard is in great condition. The shagreen covered grip is in great condition and retains its copper wire. 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 with scattered, small spots of pale tarnish. The sword sheathes and draws smoothly.
This is an excellent example of a mid-19th Century light cavalry officer’s sword by a top London maker and badged to the 1st Surrey Light Horse.
