This excellent 1821 pattern artillery officer’s sword is etched with the unit designation of the 1st battalion Forfar (Arbroath) Volunteer Artillery who were formed on the 31st October 1859.
The 822m single edged blade has a flat spine and wide single fuller on both sides, tapering to a spear point. The blade is etched with the winged lightning bolts motif of the Royal Artillery amidst extensive foliate scrollwork. The forte bears a cartouche containing the initials of the owner.
The obverse of the blade is etched with the flaming grenade motif above the designation “1st Forfar Vol. Arty,” and a field gun with foliate panels above and below. The blade and etching are in very good condition with some tiny nicks to the edge. The etching is crisp and clear and the blade retains its polish, marred only by pale speckled tarnish on both sides of the forte. The centre of percussion is marked on the spine with an arrow between the letters C. P.
The ricasso bears a proof disk containing the letter P below the word, Proved – possibly identifying the maker as Pillin. The obverse ricasso bears the cutler’s details, Hobson & Sons, Little Windmill Street, London. Hobson & Sons traded from this address between 1878 and 1886.
The 3-bar steel hilt is in very good condition. The ray skin grip is in excellent condition as is the twisted wire binding although it is missing one turn of plain wire at the rear of the grip. The steel back strap has a part crosshatched grip with a stepped pommel and cylindrical tang nut. The blade is firm in the hilt and retains its leather washer.
The sword is complete with its polished steel scabbard with a German silver throat and twin suspension rings. The scabbard is in good condition with minor shallow dings and age related marks. The sword sheathes and draws easily.
