British 1803 Pattern Sword for Officers of Grenadiers and Light Infantry
Accepted as a regulation pattern in early 1803 this sword pattern was a tacit recognition that many officers of the so-called ‘Flank companies’ the regiments’ Light Infantry and Grenadier companies were already choosing to equip themselves with sabres, and rather than try to work against the trend the simply made it official.
This sword was assembled by Prosser, one of the premier sword cutlers of the time using a Solingen made blade that had been imported by J J Runkel. Runkel was a prolific importer of swords and his blades feature prominently on British swords of the time.
This sword has a couple of distinct features, the initials W.W.B are inscribed on the top mount of the scabbard and the guard. These could have been for the original owner, and the 10th Regiment of Foot, the North Lincolnshire show a William Walden Borme in their roster:
October 1794 joined as ensign (second Lieutenant).
August 1795 promoted to Lieutenant by purchase.
August 1804 promoted to Captain.
June 1814 promoted to Major.
If this sword belonged to Major William W. Borme, is impossible to know with absolute certainty, but there is a reasonable chance as the combination of initials is fairly unique.
The other unusual feature is the lack of belt suspension loops, with only a single frog stud on the scabbard throat, it is clear that this sword was intended to be worn from a baldric.
The 1803 pattern related to the hilt and a lot of variation in blade specifications and link many other observed Runkel blades this one is at the beefier end of that spectrum, with a main fuller that runs to the tip. Sadly is has lost all of its’ blue and gilt decoration.
Its’ stats are:
Overall Length: 930 mm
Blade Length: 807 mm
Grip Length: 115 mm
Inside Grip Length: 93 mm
Weight: 780 grams
Point of Balance: 145 mm
Curve: 51 mm
