1803 Pattern Blue & Gilt Presentation Sword | Light Cavalry 

Osborn Cutler to the King | Exceptional

Unique Blue & Gilt blade to the exceptional sword by the prestigious firm of Osborn, Cutler To The King.

This Peninsular/Waterloo period sword bears the early 1803 pattern lion head hilt, and with the plain 1796 pattern slitted guard instead of the  ‘GR’ fretted initials. The grip in plain dark brown / black leather with typical ‘triple wire’ wrapping. The lower section of the hilt assembly with plain langets. The curved blade beautifully decorated with floral motifs etched in blue & gilt, running the length of the obverse and reverse. The scabbard in dark brown / black leather and with gilted brass top, centre, and bottom mounts. The mounts beautifully cut with ornate patterns. The top mount bearing a fully engraved manufacturer’s shield, ‘H.Osborn, Sword Cutler to his MAJESTY, Birmingham – Pall Mall, London'. The leather with die impressed decoration of geometric shapes and floral insets.

Condition report: The hilt in perfect condition with just mercuric gilt plate loss to the lion head area. Grip in perfect condition free from sinkage, and still retaining its fine tight wire wrapping. The blade (which still retains its original brown leather washer) survives in very good overall condition, with much blue & gilt remaining throughout. A few dark areas visible, along with signs of pitting, all commensurate with a blade which is over 200 years old. The leather scabbard is in remarkable condition for the sword’s age, remaining fairly supple and complete. The die impressed leather decoration remains clear. The scabbard mounts having lost much of their original mercuric gilt plating.

Historical background: Henry Osborn was a gun & sword maker with a factory in Birmingham (Bordesly St.Mills) and retail shop at 82 Pall Mall. Osborn was appointed Sword Cutler to the King in 1802, and is known to have produced most of the swords for the 10^th Light Dragoons, and this particular sword may well have been made for a officer of that regiment. By 1808, John Gunby became partners with Osborn.

Manufacture date: Based on the earlier design of the hilt assembly, we can date this sword to 1803. Since Gunby had partnered Osborn in 1808, all swords after this date had the combined names of Osborn & Gunby set into the name shield.

Additional notes: This example by Osborn has a particularly rare and unusual blue & gilt floral design. To date no other examples of this design are known to survive.