Victorian, British Lancashire Rifles Pattern 1827 Rifle Brigade Officer\'s Sword With Etched Blade, Leather Cord, Portepee & Scabbard. Swords

Victorian, British Lancashire Rifles Pattern 1827 Rifle Brigade Officer's Sword With Etched Blade, Leather Cord, Portepee & Scabbard. Sn 20151 - 20151

The Volunteer movement had its origins in the eighteenth century. Service in the Militia was compulsory at that time for those selected by ballot and who were not wealthy enough to hire a substitute. But specific threats, such as Jacobite risings or the threat of French invasion, induced men to volunteer for home defence. A series of Militia Acts, notably in 1761, 1768 and 1802, had the effect of transforming the Militia from a home defence force into a reserve for the Regular Army, and its former function was increasingly filled by the Volunteers. During the Napoleonic Wars 1793-1815, the risk of invasion by Revolutionary France persuaded the government to authorise the formation of volunteer units that would be subject to military discipline and eligible for pay when called out. Numerous Volunteer units were formed in Lancashire including the Warrington Bluebacks, regarded (in sentiment if not in direct lineage) as forebears of 4th Battalion The South Lancashire Regiment, and the Royal Preston Volunteers. Such units and their successors from 1808 onwards, the Local Militia, usually trained on a Sunday and from time to time did duty in various towns of Lancashire and Cheshire. British Volunteer strength peaked in 1803 at a remarkable total of some 440,000, but with the defeat of Napoleon they were all disbanded. In 1859 after another threat of Invasion Volunteer rifle units throughout Britain including those in Lancashire were reinstated. The 1827 pattern is defined by gothic bar guard hilt coupled with the usual Royal Cypher with strung bugle cartouche. Most Victorian era swords are from Volunteer / Militia Units and the blades marked accordingly (see page 174 of World Swords by Withers). This is an original 1827 Pattern Officer’s Sword to The Lancashire Rifles & scabbard. The sword has a clean 32” blade (37" overall) with fullers. The blade has etched panels including the badge of the slung bugle of the Rifle Brigade between ‘Lancashire Rifles’ Queen’s crown and ‘VR’ Royal Cypher (Victoria Regina) together with foliate panels. The blade also has inlaid roundel at the ricasso with monogram ‘WB&C’ (unknown). There are no manufacturer or date marks. It has a brass gothic bar knuckle guard with the Rifle Brigade 'Crown with bugle' badge and curved stepped pommel. The fish skin grip is excellent, the grip’s wire binding is all present and tight. The guard is fitted with leather cord and portepee. It is complete with scabbard with 2 hanging rings and shoe. The scabbard’s original nickel plate finish is rubbed in areas. The price for this sword & scabbard which is worthy of further research regarding the named Officer includes UK delivery. Sn 20151

£495.00