1796 Patt. British Order of the Garter Infantry Officer's Sword (sold)

Made by prestigious maker Runkel of Solingen, a 1796 pattern British infantry officer's sword bearing the crest of the Order of the Garter.

The Most Noble Order of the Garter is the highest order of chivalry in England, and this sword is different to most in that it bears the seal of that order instead of the normal Royal Coat of Arms; this means the officer who once owned and held it was a member of that order and a very important infantry officer indeed.

Marked "JJ Runkel Solingen" to the spine, the 32 inch blade still has very clear etching and is firm in the hilt. The hilt is good and gilt bright for its age, the folding guard still good and working, the twisted wire grip looks more golden than silver to me, perhaps to underline the importance of the officer, though this may simply be tarnish. The wire grip is complete but a couple of stands have moved a little. The quillon end has been removed. The blade has some staining, I think from some preservative layer applied many years ago. The gilt fittings and leather scabbard is in good shape compared with most other of this sword pattern / age I have experienced. The blade still sheathes and draws well from the scabbard.

This is a very good investment; most people pay this amount for a standard 1796P with scabbard in this condition. Further / full sized images available upon request. My reference is 789 (T8).