William IV British Cavalry Officer's Pipe-Back Mameluke, sold

An exceptionally rare 1830's (William 4th) British cavalry officer's mameluke.

This is such a rare sword, a King William 4th British cavalry officer's mameluke sabre. This example is levee sized but not a dress sword, with its steel field scabbard and the tip period sharpened, this sabre was probably carried by an active regiment officer on campaign but when not prepared for battle; it is mid way between a dress sword and a battle sword and I suspect he had all three.

The 32 1/4 inch pipe-backed blade with quill point is in good condition, a few patina patches here and there, etched with early tablet form version of William IV's royal cypher plus the maker's name "Moore, Late Bicknell & Moore, Old Bond St, London". The blade firm in the hilt and sheathes / draws quite well. One of the ivory grip pieces has a section missing and the little brass studs that fill the securing holes are gone, and one quillon slightly bent, but the hilt is quite good for ivory and its age; the hilts on these sabres were very prone to loss and damage, so this is a well above average example. The steel scabbard has had some corrosion and one side of the bottom next to the drag has some small holes, but overall sound and a real bonus to have an original scabbard. This should be snapped up quickly at £? (too late, now sold) as it is such a rare sword. Further / full sized images upon request. Please quote reference number B21 (443).