*British, c.1890–1914, Royal Artillery Officer’s Sword, 1821 Pattern, Fullered Blade by Sword Coy Limited, with Steel Scabbard*
An original British Pattern 1821 Royal Artillery Officer’s sword complete with its steel scabbard, dating to the late Victorian or early Edwardian period. The sword retains the classic artillery officer configuration with a three-bar brass guard, stepped pommel and fishskin grip bound with twisted brass wire. The guard forms the characteristic triple-bar hilt with rounded knuckle bow and rear quillon, designed to provide hand protection while mounted. The brass hilt shows an attractive aged patina consistent with its age and service. The grip retains its original dark fishskin covering together with multiple turns of twisted brass wire binding beneath the domed pommel cap with tang button.
The blade is slightly curved with a single broad central fuller running for approximately 52 cm along the blade, terminating before the spear point. This fullered blade form became standard for British officer swords following mid-nineteenth century improvements to blade strength and flexibility. The blade has a single sharpened edge and shows evidence of later sharpening along the cutting edge, with visible grind marks present.
The ricasso is clearly stamped “SWORD COY / LIMITED”, identifying the London retailer Sword Company Limited, using the Victorian abbreviation “Coy” for Company. The inclusion of the “Limited” designation indicates manufacture after the company’s incorporation in the late nineteenth century, placing the sword broadly in the c.1890–1914 period. Retailers such as Sword Company Limited supplied officers with privately purchased swords, often sourcing blades from established Birmingham or London makers.
The sword is accompanied by its original steel scabbard fitted with two suspension rings mounted on bands for attachment to a sword belt. The scabbard retains its correct throat and drag and shows honest age-related wear and patination consistent with long storage and service.
Approx. Measurements – Blade length: 80.5 cm. Overall length: 94.5 cm.
Historical Note:
The Pattern 1821 sword was introduced for British light cavalry officers and became the standard form for Royal Artillery officers throughout the nineteenth century. The distinctive three-bar hilt provided improved hand protection compared to earlier designs while maintaining a relatively light cavalry-style sword suited to mounted service. Officers were required to privately purchase their swords from military outfitters, and many examples bear the retailer’s stamp rather than that of the actual blade maker. Swords supplied by London retailers such as Sword Company Limited were commonly manufactured in Birmingham or London workshops before being finished and sold through military tailors and outfitters.
*Condition*
The sword remains complete with its original steel scabbard. The blade shows evidence of sharpening along the cutting edge with visible grind marks and light surface wear consistent with age. The brass hilt retains a good overall form with natural patination and minor handling marks. The fishskin grip and twisted brass wire binding remain intact. A fine hairline stress mark is visible near the grip slot on the rear guard bar, typical of age and use on Victorian cast brass hilts, though the guard remains firm and structurally sound. The scabbard shows areas of surface oxidation, age-related wear and patination but remains solid. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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