EL7280 - A scarce William IV sergeant's sword. Sergeant's swords were regimentally purchased and kept in the armoury, and so generally survive in a poorer condition than officer's swords, which they are also rarer than. However, most surviving sergeant's swords are Victorian, whereas this is I think the first William IV example I have had (1830-1837). This is also a somewhat important piece for showing that this type of hybrid fullered quill-pointed blade pre-dates Victoria's reign, assuming the blade and hilt have always been together (they look to have been). The guard is the fixed type, with no folding drop, also a common difference between officers' and sergeants' swords (though not universally the case). The shagreen is missing in places, but secure where it remains, and the grip wire has gone. The hilt is firm on the tang. No scabbard (it would have been leather and brass).
