Napoleonic British Light Infantry / Flank Officer's Sword (sold)

An 1800's / Napoleonic War, British light infantry or flank officer's sabre / sword with ivory grip; important officer, blade marked "Honi soit qui mal y pense".

A scarce early 1800's pattern British light infantry / flank officer's sabre / sword of the type carried throughout the Napoleonic Wars (Peninsular War and 100 Days War / Waterloo). Most likely a front line field officer's sabre of one of the premier Fusilier regiments or a military knight of the garter due to the inclusion of the motto "Honi soit qui mal y pense" (evil to him who evil thinks). 32 Inch blade marked to JJ (Johann Justus) Runkel of Solingen, one of if not the premier blade makers of the era. Whoever carried this sword was a very important officer.

The blade with clear remnants of etching both sides. Although very similar to the light cavalry sabre (1796P), this sword is discernable as an infantry officer's sabre by its etchings and slightly different hilt pattern. Everything firm. A little of the ivory missing from under the pommel. Grip wire absent. Further / full sized photos available upon request. Reference number 416.