Infantry officer's sword, 1822 pattern, patent solid hilt, British (1862)

Title	Infantry officer's sword, 1822 pattern, patent solid hilt
Nationality	British
Period	1862

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This is the standard infantry officer's sword of the era, but with two unusual features: gutta percha grips on a patent solid hilt; a presentation inscription on the back strap of the hilt from General Earl (4th) Beauchamp to Ensign W.H. Barneby, 58th Regiment, 27th May 1862 (WHB's commission date).

Barneby served for one year only before relinquishing his commission, becoming a JP and DL for Co Hereford, then finally High Sheriff in 1884, dying in 1915. He was MP for West Worcestershire from 1816-36. He lived at Bredenbury Court, Bromyard, Worcester, and also at Longworth, Hereford. Perhaps the General was related to him in some way, hence the gift of his sword.

Made by Andrews of Pall Mall, London W1, the sword is the earliest example of an infantry patent solid hilt I've ever seen. The Hon Henry Beauchamp Lygon, before he succeeded his brother as 4th Earl Beauchamp in 1853, had a distinguished cavalry career in the Peninsula War, serving in the 16th Light Dragoons, was wounded severely in the neck near Bussaco on 28.8.1810, becoming Colonel of the First Life Guards in 1822 and ending up as Colonel of the 10th Hussars in 1843. He died in 1863 after some 60 years of service! He received the Military General Service medal with Talavera bar.

The gilt finish is all original, approximately 95% extant. The scabbard chape is an old replacement, of the correct pattern, but sadly no gilding is extant. The blade has the Barneby crest and motto engraved on it, and has much of the original factory finish, marred at the edges with old rust stains.

If you want to comment on this item—re quality, age, etc—please email me.

[Edged Weapons : Swords : British : 19th Century]

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