British 1821 Pattern Artillery Officer's Sword

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Very nice example of an 1821 Pattern Royal Artillery Officer’s sword made by J. Hodgson, Woolwich, London. Since the early 1800’s, officers of the Royal Artillery carried the same regulation pattern swords as those for infantry officers, while their counterparts in the Royal Horse Artillery carried the regulation patterns worn by light cavalry officers. By 1857, dress regulations required that all artillery officers carried the sword stipulated as "Regulation, Light Cavalry". The Pattern 1821 Royal Artillery Officer's Sword, as it is now known, is still the regulation pattern for officers of the Royal Artillery. This sword bears the 1845 pattern “Wilkinson” style blade measuring 39" with a flat spine and deep fuller tapering to a double edged spear point. The blade is etched with the words “Royal Artillery” around winged lightning bolts and the motto “Ubique,” above a cannon as well as Queen Victoria’s VR cipher and scroll work. The blade is etched on the ricasso with the outfitter and the obverse ricasso bears the brass proof stud. The blade has been cleaned and the etch lightened. The etch has been cleaned right off on the lower cutting flat. It is free from rust with barely any tarnishing. The sword dates to around 1870. The three bar iron guard has a half cross-hatched back strap ending in a stepped oval pommel and round tang nut. The hilt has an even salt and pepper grey age patina. The fish skin and twisted wire grip are in excellent condition. The blade is firm in the hilt. The steel scabbard has wear and small hits from normal period wear. Lok at the drag, this was definitely used as is is worn down some. This sword is in overall excellent condition for its age and service and was made by one of the 19th Centuries best British sword smiths.