British Napoleonic Wars Period Pre-Regulation Flank Officer's Sabre

Shop » Swords » British Napoleonic Wars Period Pre-Regulation Flank Officer's Sabre
Napoleonic Flank Officers sabre circa 1800 British Infantry flank officers sword British 1800 Yeomanry officers sabre British Napoleonic Wars Period Pre-Regulation Flank Officer's Sabre #4 British Napoleonic Wars Period Pre-Regulation Flank Officer's Sabre #5 British Napoleonic Wars Period Pre-Regulation Flank Officer's Sabre #6 British Napoleonic Wars Period Pre-Regulation Flank Officer's Sabre #7 British Napoleonic Wars Period Pre-Regulation Flank Officer's Sabre #8 British Napoleonic Wars Period Pre-Regulation Flank Officer's Sabre #9 British Napoleonic Wars Period Pre-Regulation Flank Officer's Sabre #10 British Napoleonic Wars Period Pre-Regulation Flank Officer's Sabre #11 British Napoleonic Wars Period Pre-Regulation Flank Officer's Sabre #12 British Napoleonic Wars Period Pre-Regulation Flank Officer's Sabre #13 British Napoleonic Wars Period Pre-Regulation Flank Officer's Sabre #14
This is a fantastic example of a pre-regulation Infantry Flank officer’s sabre dating from between 1796 and 1804 and retailed by JJ Runkel. The Flank companies of the British army (so called because when deployed in the standard line formation they occupied the right and left flanks) were the Grenadiers and Light companies, including the newly formed Rifle companies of which the famous 95th Rifles was the first.

The grenadiers and light companies of a battalion were considered the elite of these infantry regiments, often fighting out in front of the main army as skirmishers. Grenadiers were also the senior company of any infantry battalion and would typically lead an assault.

The added risk associated with skirmishing meant that flank company officers needed a more robust fighting sword than the unpopular regulation 1796 infantry spadroon. Despite regulations, flank officers turned to using sabres based on the new P1796 Light cavalry sabre. The need for a more robust weapon was formally acknowledged by King George III in 1803, when he approved “a Pattern Sword for the Officers of Grenadiers and Light Infantry.” The newly adopted sword was the 1803 pattern Flank Officer’s sabre with its iconic lion-head pommel and George III cypher on the guard.

The gently curved 740mm single-edged blade has a flat spine and wide fuller, terminating in a hatchet point. The short blade is an ideal length for fighting on foot. The spine is engraved with the importer/retailer’s name, J. J. Runkel, Solingen.

The blade is in very good condition with a pale, speckled tarnish and some very shallow pitting towards the point. The first quarter of the blade is nicely engraved with a trophy of arms above the crowned cypher of King George III (1760-1820) and floral sprays. The obverse of the blade bears a crescent moon and floral sprays above the British Royal Arms containing the motto “Honi Soit Qui Mal Y Pense” and a ribbon with the motto “Dieu Et Mon Droit” above a second trophy of arms.  

The blade retains its original washer and has been service sharpened, retaining its fighting edge with a few tiny nicks.

The gilt brass stirrup hilt is in excellent condition, retaining its gilt finish and embellished with engraved lines on the languets, stirrup guard and pommel and concentric swirls on the disk quillon. The ivory grip is in generally good condition with a small area of loss to the rear of the grip below the pommel. The gilt copper wire binding is intact and tight and despite the chip to the ivory, the grip is solid and strong and the blade is firm in the hilt.

The sabre is complete with its polished steel scabbard with two suspension bands. Each band has two suspension rings. The scabbard is in very good condition and is without dents or damage. The sabre sheathes and draws smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard.

This is a beautiful and scarce pre-regulation flank officer’s sabre from the Peninsular and Napoleonic Wars period.

SOLD