In good condition, an 1800’s / Napoleonic Britsh 1st Foot Guards Short Sword
Click Here to enquire / inquire about / buy this item
The 1st Regiment of Guards became the Grenadier Guards after Waterloo, but they had the flaming grenade as their badge since before that name change. The scabbard with both frog button and suspension rings, plus the flat short blade date the sword to around 1800. It is possibly a bandsman’s sword as they tended to be shorter and were still not regulated to a particular pattern at that time (so bandsman swords were regimental purchases and as such did not have Board of Ordnance stamps / markings). The ivory grip reflects the prestigue of the First Regiment of Foot Guards.
It is very probable this sword was still in service at the time of the Battle of Waterloo, and would likely have been there at the battle itself. Worth remembering also, bandsmen tended to be in the front assault row.
The ivory permission to sell certification provided to buyer.
The plain 20 7/8 inch blade has some age / wear plus some light pitting towards the hilt, but is firm and good. The brass hilt / guard with age and very minor possible distortion is good. The fluted ivory grip is worn and has some minor chips but is otherwise very good for its age. The brass and leather scabbard has age / wear (e.g. dings to the brass and surface cracks to the leather) but is sound. The sword sheathes and draws quite tightly.
Rare sword. Rare low price for a Napoleonic Guards sword; £700. Please quote item reference AI45. Further / full sized images available upon request. Triangle 2022 75 x 18 x 18 (0.975).
