*UNIQUE: British, 1803 Pattern Blue & Gilt Light Infantry Sabre, with Original Scabbard, Dated May 1805, Engraved Presented to Colonel William Clinton of the 55th Foot, Osborne’s Warranted*
Approximate Measurements: Curved Blade – 75.2cm, overall: 88.5cm
Crowned GR on Hilt
Blade Marked: “Osborne’s Warranted”, etched with military trophies, laurels and foliage
Scabbard Marked: “Presented to Colonel William Clinton, by the, Officers & non-commissioned, Officers of the, 55th Foot, as a mark of respect, May 1805.”
This is an exceptional and rare find—a wonderful example of a 1803 Pattern Blue & Gilt Light Infantry Officer’s Sabre. Not only is the sword remarkably well-preserved given its age of 218 years, but it is also maker-marked “Osborne’s Warranted,” a sign of quality craftsmanship. What elevates this piece further is its engraved scabbard, which offers provenance to Colonel (later General) William Clinton and dates it precisely to May 1805, making it a significant historical artifact with a direct link to a distinguished military figure.
The sword has a gilt brass hilt lion head pommel and black leather, brass twist-wire bound grip. It has the regulation hilt with the GR crown, back strap with well defined lions-head mane decoration. The curved blade and single fullered blade has blue and gilt decoration along 75% of its length includes foliage and martial arms and the arms for the East India Company. It comes with its original original, rare to find, brass mounted black leather scabbard with two suspension rings. The scabbard is particularly exciting given it is marked “Presented to Colonel William Clinton, by the, Officers & non-commissioned, Officers of the, 55th Foot, as a mark of respect, May 1805” – dating the sword and identifying this as a particularly interesting given its ties to such a historically interesting figure as General William Clinton.
General Sir William Henry Clinton GCB KCH (1769–1846).
He was a prominent British military officer during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars as well as the First Miguelist War. Born to General Sir Henry Clinton, he began his military career as a cornet in 1784 with the 7th Light Dragoons. As a captain in the 1st Guards, he served under the Duke of York in the Flanders campaigns (1793–94). By 1794 he had been promoted to Lieutenant Colonel. He served as a Member of Parliament (MP) for East Retford from 1794 to 1796 and then left Parliament to become aide-de-camp to the Duke of York. By 1801, Clinton had been promoted to colonel and participated in the capture of Madeira, serving as its governor 1801-1802. He held key positions, including Military Secretary 1803 and Quartermaster-General in Ireland by 1804. He returned to Parliament in 1806 as MP for Boroughbridge, a seat he held until 1818. After another diplomatic mission to Sweden in 1807, Clinton became a major-general the following year.
In 1812, Clinton commanded a British and Spanish force in Sicily and later led the 1st Division during the Peninsular War. In 1814 he was given the Colonelcy of the 55th (Westmorland) Regiment of Foot, a position he held until his death. He was knighted in 1815 after distinguishing himself in battles like Castalla. His later career included commanding British forces in eastern Spain and supporting Portuguese forces in the First Miguelist War 1826-1828. He was promoted to full General. Clinton died in 1846, serving as governor of Chelsea Hospital at the time.
55th Foot:
The 55th Regiment of Foot was an infantry unit of the British Army, established in 1755. In 1782, it received the territorial title “55th (Westmorland) Regiment of Foot.”
1803 Pattern Sword:
The Pattern 1803 Flank Officer’s sword, introduced in the early 19th century, was developed for light infantry officers and grenadiers, who operated as skirmishers on the flanks of British battalions. The increased mobility required for these detached, loose formations demanded a more practical, robust weapon than the Pattern 1796 Infantry Officer’s sword. By 1799, sabres became common among these officers, eventually leading to the King’s formal approval of the Pattern 1803 sword. It was approved not only for flank officers of line infantry regiments and designated light infantry units but also for regimental officers such as Majors, Lieutenant-Colonels, and Colonels. These sabres, worn on slings rather than shoulder belts, allowed freer movement over difficult terrain. Despite regulations, there was considerable variation in the blades of these swords.
*Condition*
This unique sword is in excellent condition. Much of the blue and gilt remain and the engraving is clear. The Hilt is in very good condition. Only part of the leather hilt washer remains. The Scabbard fits securely and is in good condition with the expected dings and scratches commensurate with age and service. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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