Victorian British Officer’s Sword with Etched Blade, Shagreen Grip, Leather Scabbard

A particularly attractive 19th-century British officer’s sword, complete with its leather-covered scabbard and an extensive period leather sword belt and suspension arrangement.

The sword has a highly decorative gilt-brass pierced guard, incorporating bold scrolling decoration and floral details. The hilt retains a very good shagreen-covered grip, bound with its twisted wire, and terminating in a brass pommel. The brass has developed an appealing mellow patina and has deliberately been left unpolished.

The straight steel blade is of flattened/fullered form with a spear point and retains extensive, although now rather faint, etched decoration to both sides. Traces of foliate and other decorative motifs remain visible along a considerable portion of the blade. The overall appearance suggests a privately purchased officer-quality sword rather than an ordinary enlisted man's weapon.

The sword is accompanied by its brown leather-covered scabbard, retaining the throat fittings and lower protective shoe/chape. The leather has developed a superb deep brown colour and shows the wear expected from a sword that appears to have been carried rather than simply stored.

What makes this example especially appealing is the survival of the associated brown leather sword belt, frog and suspension straps. The substantial belt retains its brass fittings, buckles and suspension hardware, while the separate leather frog securely carries the scabbard. The complete ensemble gives an excellent impression of how an officer's sword was actually worn in the field.

The leather equipment shows considerable age, wear, creasing, old stitching and repairs, all of which contribute greatly to the character of the piece. It has not been subjected to aggressive modern restoration.

Features Original Victorian British officer's sword Attractive pierced and scroll-decorated gilt-brass hilt Shagreen-covered grip Original wire binding Straight spear-point steel blade Extensive surviving etched decoration Brown leather-covered scabbard Leather sword frog Period officer's sword belt Multiple leather suspension straps Brass buckles and fittings Wonderful untouched patina throughout Highly decorative and impressive complete display piece

Condition: Good antique condition commensurate with considerable age and service. The blade has darkening, staining, surface wear and areas of oxidation, with the original etched decoration now faint in places. Brass hilt has wear and an attractive aged patina. Shagreen and binding remain remarkably presentable. The scabbard and belt equipment have considerable wear, creasing, rubbing, old repairs and some losses to stitching and fittings. Please examine the photographs carefully as they form an important part of the description.

An unusually complete and extremely decorative Victorian British officer's sword ensemble, made particularly desirable by the survival of the scabbard, frog, belt and suspension equipment together.