George V Honourable Artillery Company Officers Sword

A good example of the Honourable Artillery Company Infantry Officers Sword.

This special pattern sword for HAC Infantry Officers is closely based on the 1854 pattern guards officers sword.

This George V example was retailed by "Guthrie and Valentine, Cork St, London". They were a firm of military tailors operating at that address between 1890 and 1923.

The sword is in good untouched condition. The plated steel gothic style hilt carries the flaming grenade badge with the initials HAC within. Most of the plating is now worn. It has a fully chequered backstrap and domed pommel. The shagreen grip is in good overall condition with service wear, and would have originally been bound with silver twistwire, although most of this is now absent. The hilt is solid in the blade, with no movement.

The 1892 pattern blade is mostly clean and bright, with single fuller, measuring 32.5 inches. It carries the "Guthrie and Valentine" retailers details at the ricasso, with the star surmounted proof slug with initial "R" on the other. This may be a late Charles Reeves Ltd mark, which were a subsidiary of Wilkinson Sword. The spine carries a serial number.

The blade is decorated with the standard foliate engraving, in addition to the crowned HAC Flaming grenade badge, a field gun, and feathered lightning bolts, and the words "Honourable Artillery Company" to the other. Some light staining overall, which would improve with some gentle cleaning.

The sword is housed in its original brown leather field service scabbard. This in good sound condition, with typical service scuffs and marks, It would benefit from a clean and polish.

Not an easy sword to find, and with a little work this example would be a very respectable addition to any collection.

Strictly over 18's only. Photo ID will be required before this item can be dispatched.