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A RARE GENERAL OR STAFF OFFICER'S SWORD OF THE 10TH (PRINCE OF WALES' OWN) LIGHT DRAGOONS 1807 REGIMENTAL PATTERN

CIRCA 1810

Details

A RARE GENERAL OR STAFF OFFICER'S SWORD OF THE 10TH (PRINCE OF WALES' OWN) LIGHT DRAGOONS 1807 REGIMENTAL PATTERN
CIRCA 1810
With curved single-edged fullered blade of Pattern 1796 Light Cavalry type etched on each side at the forte with watered steel pattern and cabalistic symbols, brass stirrup hilt retaining traces of original gilt finish and with shaped langets each with applied badge involving a crown, crossed sword and baton, and foliage, original wire-bound shagreen-covered grip, and steel scabbard, almost certainly original (patches of discolouration to blade, some wear to etching, scabbard discoloured with scattered patches of surface corrosion)
32¾ in. (85.7 cm.) blade

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.

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Lot Essay

This sword almost certainly belonged to General Lord Edward Somerset (1776-1842), noted soldier, politician and elder brother of Lord FitzRoy Somerset, the future 1st Baron Raglan. Having been commissioned into the 10th Light Dragoons in 1793, Somerset was Aide-de-Camp to the Duke of York in Holland in 1799 and promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel in 1800. Lord Edward Somerset served with distinction throughout the Peninsular War becoming a Major-General in 1813 and commanded the Household Cavalry Brigade at Waterloo. The Brigade was formed of squadrons from the 1st and 2nd Life Guards, the Royal Horse Guards and the 1st (King's) Dragoon Guards mustering a total of 1349 sabres on the morning of 18th June 1815 and took part in a number of prominent but costly actions throughout the afternoon and evening of the battle.
A similar sword was sold in October 2005 by Sotheby's in association with Dr. Christoph Graf Douglas Kunstberatung, The Royal House of Hanover, Lot 3694.

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