EL6168 - A rare 1853 pattern British cavalry sword, featuring Charles Reeves' patent solid hilt and etched to supplier Parker, Field & Sons. This sword is in magnificent condition, almost like new, and very rare for being a private purchase (and better quality and handling) version of the 1853 pattern cavalry sword. I have only seen 3 or 4 of these and their origin and purpose is unknown.
Parker, Field & Sons were suppliers of police equipment and for this reason these are sometimes argued to be mounted police swords. However, Parker, Field & Sons also supplied military, shooting and hunting equipment and another example of one of these swords which I have in my collection has been well service sharpened. So the designation of mounted police remains in question in my mind - none that I have ever seen have had police unit markings. It is possible that these were simply better quality private purchase cavalry swords for people who wanted to buy their own cavalry troopers' sword - perhaps members of the yeomanry, or sergeants, or even officers (who sometimes preferred Trooper designs to officers' weapons).
The condition, as stated, is wonderful - the blade with original bright mirror polish and frost etching to the ricasso. 100% solid in the hilt of course, being a full width tang. The compressed leather grips have very defined chequering which is like new, and they are firmly attached to the tang with 5 rivets. The guard and scabbard are in equally good condition and note that these private purchase versions have thicker, stronger steel guards than the government issued weapons. The scabbard has a slightly different suspension arrangement than typical 1853 patterns. A large 35 inch blade and a better (flatter) grip shape than the government weapons - this sword feels great in the hand.
