British Napoleonic Lifeguard Officer's Type Sword

british-1800-lifeguard-sword-2

A scarce British Napoleonic Lifeguard Officer’s Type sword of a type similar to those carried by Lifeguard Officers during the 1800’s. The sword comprises a brass hilt with half shell guard and distinctive ovoid pommel and quillon. The grip is wooden and with ribbed brass ferrules. The Lifeguard regiments of the British Army were an elite force and tasked with protecting the royal monarch. They carried their own pattern swords and this style became popular during the early 1800’s. Most examples that I have come across have a plain blade and tend to be unmarked. They would have been worn for dress occasions such as balls and regimental dinners, although this example has a pretty sturdy blade so would also have been effective in combat.