British 1796 P Heavy Cavalry Officer's Dress Sword (sold)

Very good condition Napoleonic Wars (Waterloo, etc.) period British 1796 Pattern heavy cavalry officer's dress sword.

This is a Napoleonic Wars period British 1796 Pattern heavy cavalry officer's dress sword. You can tell it is from the time of conflict with Napoleon as it bears the date for the Battle of Agincourt, a famous defeat of the French by the British. If this sword had been post Napoleonic, it would unlikely have this engraved onto it as after Napoleon's defeat at Waterloo, the French monarchy was installed again by the British and France was considered an ally. Even if the original owner of this sword had due regard for such convention, he would not have put "1415" on his sword but "1815" of course.

In addition to the date of 1415, there is a hunting dog engraved to the blade. It is possible this is a maker's mark from Solingen, but I have been unable to identify it from the maker's marks reference books I have. Instead I believe it to symbolize the hunting of the French enemy and therefore the likely original owner of this sword was a front line officer involved in the Peninsula and / or 100 day (Waterloo) wars against French troops.

The 32 inch blade is in very good general order and firm in the hilt; the engravings are on both sides, one side more worn (rubbed) than the other. The hilt and grip are worn (gilt has worn) but in very good order too. The blade sheathes well and the scabbard is in good order. Further pictures available upon request. Item reference number 115 (72).