Original British Late 18th Century Irish Rebellion Era Pattern 1786 Private Purchase Spadroon Sword With Hand Engraved Blade – “For My Country & King” Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a fantastic example of a late 18th Century British officer’s P-1786 type thrusting sword. The sword has a double edged blade with beautiful hand engraving done to each side, one of which is the Pre-1801 Royal Coat of Arms. The one engraving that stands out is the popular battle cry, FOR MY COUNTRY & KING. The sword has retained crisp details in most of the etching, but due to years of wear and cleaning, some spots now present themselves as smooth with details lacking.

A hugely significant year for the sword and specifically the spadroon, in army service, was 1786, as it saw the end of pole arms for officers, and the introduction of the first standard for a sword, the 1786 pattern. Though it may be called that today, it was not in fact a pattern at all. ‘Pattern’ refers to a piece of example equipment that has been accepted for army service. Since the start of the eighteenth century a band of officers (or other responsible persons) has approved the quality and finish of all items of military clothing, it was then sealed with the wax of the Board of Ordnance or other Government (wax) seal to be recognised as the standard to be kept by manufacturers. This allowed manufacturers, tailors, and swordsmiths to have an example to use as a reference for both design and quality. The 1786 sword was not a pattern, but a rather vague description. Nonetheless it was the first standard outlined for army wide service, and so is commonly referred to as the 1786 pattern today but might be better described as the 1786 regulation. The only requirements for the 1786 regulation was that the blade was straight, 32” long and 1” wide at the guard exactly like this example, that the guard matched the color of the buttons of your uniform, and that all officers of a regiment had the same type.

Due to very loose requirements for this regulation, there was much variety found, and few swords were of a new design. Most had been in service for many years before, such as during the American Revolution, though we think this was produced closer towards the end of the war.

The condition is really quite good for being over 230 years old. There is only slight movement in the hilt, the bone/ivory grip has no significant cracks or damage and the blade only has minor surface rust. This was a sword that was cared for over the years and the condition reflects that.

A lovely example ready for further research and display.

Specifications:
Blade Length: 32″
Blade Style: Double Edge Spear Point
Overall length: 37“
Guard: 5″L x 4 1/4″W