Rare Officer's Spadroon for the St. James' (Westminster) Loyal Volunteers

EL6590 - A very rare Georgian infantry officer's spadroon, dating to around 1797, for an officer of the St. James' (Westminster) Loyal Volunteers. This was a militia regiment and its officers would have been well-heeled individuals of high status, sometimes with positions in government. Such militias were raised primarily due to the threat of the French, and the St. James' Volunteers seem to have been raised in 1797. The sword itself features a blade by Runkel, with a very good quality gilt brass hilt in the pre-1796 style (which was still in use until the early 1800s), having a ribbed ebony grip, with regimental band. The blade is in good condition, with clear engraving, but is very dark from patina (probably from having been hung on a wall for decades). There is a little movement in the guard, but it is generally quite firm on the tang. A fantastic and very rare sword, with research potential.