This scarce and interesting 1822 pattern Infantry officer’s sabre has a blade made by Wooley & Co., dating to between 1790 and 1796. The blade is of typical 1788 light Cavalry form. I have encountered several of these swords over the years so do not believe that it is a modern pairing although the sword has been recently refurbished. In my opinion it is more likely that the sword was the property of an infantry flank officer or officer serving overseas, possibly in India, who, as with other officers’ of the Georgian period, preferred the cavalry style blade to that of the standard infantry pattern. Military regulations would have required the officer to use the 1822 pattern guard but lee-way was allowed in their choice of blade.
The 810mm curved blade has a flat spine with a narrow fuller above a wide, shallow fuller that runs almost to the spear point. The spine is faintly stamped with the maker’s name, Wooley & Co. The blade has been period sharpened and is in fair condition with a salt and pepper patina and shallow pitting.
The 1822 Gothic guard incorporates the royal cypher of King George IV, who reigned from 1820 until 1830. The guard is large and robust with a horn grip and silver wire. The horn has suffered some insect damage but is in overall good condition and the silver wire is intact and tight. The blade is firm in the hilt.
This is a hard to find example of an interesting non-regulation bladed 1822 infantry sword.
