A BRITISH OFFICER’S SABRE BY OSBORN & GUNBY
Early 19th century
With curved fullered blade retaining blue and gilt decoration with Britannia, trophies and crowned Royal Arms and inscribed " From the officers and privates of the Ilkeston volunteers to Major Potter as a testimony of his military merit and private worth 1812" with gilt-brass hilt with shell guard, foliate knuckle bow and backstrap, and ribbed horn grip; the brass-mounted leather scabbard engraved “Osborn & Gunby, Sword Cutlers to His Majesty, 83 Pall Mall, London.”, overall length 93cm
| Estimate: |
£700 - £1,000
|
|
Hammer price:
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£4,500 |
Bidding ended. Lot has been sold.
The Ilkeston Volunteer Infantry was formed in 1803 under Captain James Potter junior. On 4 July 1811 Lieutenant Richard Potter was promoted Captain-Commandant, succeeding James Potter. An inscription dated 1812 “from the Officers and Privates of the Ilkeston Volunteers to Major Potter …” corresponds with this period and almost certainly refers to Major (Captain-Commandant) Richard Potter of Ilkeston Park.
Condition report; The scabbard with wear to gilding the base metal is now showing through. Leather worn to the blade side. Handle in good condition, blade with minor pitting notably to tip. Probably loss of engraved decoration due to polishing and sharpening.
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