Exceptional British P1803 Infantry Officer’s Sword & Scabbard

Description

Considered by many collectors to be the most attractive British standard pattern sword ever
made, the P1803 saw a relatively short service life- most of which was during the
Napoleonic Wars. The defining feature is the distinctive hilt with lion’s head pommel with
integral backstrap and the knuckle bow with a pierced Georgian cypher. Since this cypher
was specific to George III, it’s use would have ended with his death in 1820. This example
features broad deeply curved 31 1/4″ single-edged blade, etched, blued, and gilt over two
thirds of its length with the royal arms of Great Britain, crowned “GR” royal cypher, stands of
arms, foliage, and maker “REDDELL/ & BATE/ BIRMINGHAM” in a ribbon. 95% of the
original bluing and gilding remain, yet there are two fairly deep edge nicks, clearly from
blade strikes and indicating it saw action in the field. The gilt brass hilt of standard pattern
with the pierced Georgian cypher on the knuckle bow and lion’s head pommel, with a ring to
hold a sword knot or lanyard, retaining about 80% original gilding and showing traces of old
wax on the pommel. Ivory grip with original twisted copper wire wrap; the ivory with age
cracks, but the wire is complete and tight. Original black leather scabbard with gilt brass
mounts, including throat with frog stud and carry ring, middle band with carry ring, and long
drag. Leather still soft and supple with some thread loss at the seam; gilding remains in
protected areas. Overall length 36 ½”. George Reddell was active at several locations in
London from 1800 to 1821 and was sword cutler to His Royal Highness the Prince Regent,
the Duke of Sussex, and the Duke of Cambridge. We haven’t been able to determine when
he partnered with Bate. By far the best P1803 we have ever encountered.