ELC1079 - An exceptional quill-point non-regulation light cavalry officer's sword by top maker Gill, engraved to Captain William Rhodes, of the 19th Light Dragoons (re-named the 19th Lancers in September 1816), 1816. Rhodes served in North America during the War of 1812 with the 19th Light Dragoons. The regiment returned to Britain in August 1816, which is presumably when Rhodes bought this very special and expensive non-regulation sword, prior to the regiment being redesignated as Lancers in September. Apart from the wondering boon of having the officer's name and regiment engraved on the scabbard (protected by old varnish, which still remains (see photos)), this is an exceptionally fine and rare sword in its own right, possessing several unusual features. The blade is of the massive pipe-back Prosser type, with large quill point and 35 inches in length, but etched "Gill's Warranted", attributing it to this highly prized maker. The blade is firm in the hilt and the washer still in place firmly. The hilt, with shagreen grip and silver wire, is particularly notable for having a fully checkered backpiece, which is an extremely rare feature on such an early sword. This is a feature not normally found on British swords until the late Victorian period. The blade has been service sharpened, which might hint at later service. There is a ton of research to be done on Rhodes and his family. Not a sword that you are likely to find a parallel to for a long time to come.
