Victorian British 1st Life Guards Officer's Sword, sold.

Very good condition Victorian British 1st Life Guards (Household Cavalry) officer's sword by Hawkes & Co.

Like all examples we have seen, this is a plain bladed (except for the Hawkes tablet etching) 1st Life Guards officers sword by the famous Hawkes and Co. There are several differences besides this with 2nd Life Guards swords, such as the plain (not reeded) suspension bands on the scabbard (the top one marked "FFCC" - not the original owner's initials but a mark common to 2nd LG swords and which we have no answer as to what it stands for). Again, it appears 1st Life Guards officers carried plain bladed swords (this is not a sword for a trooper).

The 35 inch blade in very good condition, put with some age / light speckles here and there. Blade firm in the hilt; the hilt generally very good with minimal aging. The "snakeskin" pattern leather grip also a unique feature of 1LG Victorian swords (as opposed to fishskin). The scabbard in good condition but with some patches of former rust. The sword sheathes and draws well.

A scarce, highly impressive sword, often selling for in excess of 2000 GBP. Our price for this well above average example, a bargain of an investment at only £xxxx (too late, now sold - original sales price divulged for small fee). Please quote item reference AA46 (0033). Further / full sized images available upon request.