A VERY FINE 'PATTERN 1803' INFANTRY OFFICER'S SWORD

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WELLINGTON, THE NAPOLEONIC WARS AND WATERLOO, a commemoration in the 200th anniversary year of the battle of Waterloo (Lots 1-50)LIEUTENANT-GENERAL SIR HENRY CLINTON (1771-1829), COMMANDER OF THE BRITISH 2ND DIVISION IN HILL'S II CORPS AT WATERLOO

A VERY FINE 'PATTERN 1803' INFANTRY OFFICER'S SWORD

THO.S GILLS, GUN & SWORD MANUFACTURER, 83 ST. JAMES'S STREET, LONDON, CIRCA 1810

Details

A VERY FINE 'PATTERN 1803' INFANTRY OFFICER'S SWORD
THO.S GILLS, GUN & SWORD MANUFACTURER, 83 ST. JAMES'S STREET, LONDON, CIRCA 1810
With curved 29 ½ in. (75 cm.) single-edged blade finely etched over most of its length on each side with foliage, swags, an angel, a figure of Britannia, trophies of arms, the Royal arms and the arms of Clinton with the motto 'LOYALTE NA HONTE', two thirds of the etched decoration on each side blued and gilt, gilt-brass stirrup hilt with langets finely cast as bearded masks, the guard engraved with bands of geometric designs, lion-mask pommel with the mane extending down the grip-strap, and wire-bound chequered ivory grip, with bullion and crimson sword-knot, in original wooden covered with black-stained snake skin, gilt-brass mounts engraved with foliage, and two rings for suspension

Special notice

Prospective purchasers are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of property containing materials from endangered species, including but not limited to coral, ivory and tortoiseshell. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country.

Lot Essay

Clinton's division was held en potence at the right of the line by Wellington during the battle of Waterloo. Towards the end of the day with the arrival of the Prussians, the 2nd Division advanced into the British forward line and, formed into squares, withstood the massed and relentless attacks of Marshal Ney's cavalry. The division comprised Major-General Frederick Adam's 3rd British Brigade, Colonel Du Plat's 1st King's German Legion, Colonel Hugh Halkett's 3rd Hanoverian Brigade and two artillery batteries under Lieutenant-Colonel Gold.

Clinton was a very experienced field officer and was present or directly involved in many famous battles and campaigns of the French and Napoleonic Wars. He came from an illustrious military family, his father arguably the most successful British Commander in the War of American Independence. Taking a commission in 1787 he served in the Flanders Campaign (1793), was promoted to Lt.-General in 1795, served in India as an Adjutant-General (1802-05), was present at the Battle of Austerlitz (1805) as a military attaché, campaigned with Sir John Moore and was present at Corunna, and was promoted to Major-General in 1810. Under Wellington he commanded the 6th Division during the Peninsular War and fought at Salamanca, Burgos, Vitoria, Nivelle, Nive, Orthez and Toulouse. At the end of the war he was made a Lieutenant-General.

Thomas Gill is recorded at 83 St. James's Street between 1809 and 1816.

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