1803 Pattern British Infantry Rifle Officer's Sword / Sabre, Sold

In aged condition, an 1803 Pattern British Infantry Rifle Officer's Sword / Sabre.

A scarce version of this iconic sword, for a regular infantry of the line rifle officer (unlike rifle regiment officers who generally carried a different pattern), with the rifle's powder keg motif within the knuckle bow.

The slightly shorter 30 1/2 inch blade has a steady patina and some light pitting but is sound and firm in the hilt. The black grip for a rifles officer, perhaps a replacement, is in good order. The twisted grip wire bindings are wayward. The gilt hilt is generally very good but the knuckle bow has suffered a break and modern repair; these brass knuckle bows are really not that strong and were not great at hand protection (show taking precedent to strength).

A fairly scarce and iconic Napoleonic Wars sabre for just £? (too late, now sold). Please quote item reference AE35 (0837). Further / full sized images available upon request.