EL6493 - The sword of surgeon George Yates (named on blade), dated 1852. This is an 1845 pattern infantry officer's sword, and if I have identified the correct person, then he was promoted from assistant-surgeon to surgeon in the Warwickshire Rifle Volunteers in 1863 (see images), which would tally with the model of sword. While a Rifles officer would technically have an 1827 pattern Rifles hilt in general, you will note that this hilt has remnants of black paint on it, which likely relates to its service in a volunteer rifles unit. Many volunteer officers started out in the militia, and medical officers had a tradition of carrying the brass hilts, so I see nothing out of line with the evidence here. I also found reference to a surgeon called George Yates in Birmingham, which may be the same man. The sword itself is very interesting, but requires some restoration. There is some light rust to the blade, which seems to be of German or perhaps French manufacture and etching style, being engraved with gilding in the engraved recesses - highly unusual on a British sword. The decoration and motifs in the etching and engraving also look very French or German to me. There is light surface rust, which should be carefully removed. The brass hilt is in somewhat battered condition, being rather bent, which might not be possible to alter, given the brittleness of antique brass. The grip however is in very good shape, with good shagreen and wire. There is no scabbard, sadly. Priced according to condition, but a very interesting sword, with lots of research potential, for the price.
