Code: 12251
A good and completely untouched example of the regulation Infantry officers sword of the Napoleonic Wars, but this example with one great bonus, it has has had the fixed shell of the guard engraved "Sword of Julius Dolmage Died 1848."
Thanks to the highly unusual name, it was easy to ascertain that there was indeed a Julius Dolmage born in Rathkeale, County Limerick in 1772 (some records say 1771)
In 1799 he married Susanne, daughter of Colonel Gedeon Philippes de Gorrequer and his wife Susanne Raven.
At the time of his marriage Julius was serving in Jersey as a Lieutenant in His Majesty's Loyal Limerick Regiment. He afterwards purchased a commission in the 55th Regiment of Foot, and served in Jamaica. He later saw service as a Captain in the 4th King's Own Regiment.
His death is recorded a Rathkeale on the 7th of August 1849. (So there is a discrepency with what is engraved on the sword's guard, one year early!)
It was quite common during the Victorian period for family swords to be engraved with details of thier owners, and I have owned several over the years.
This is a good and early example of a 1796 pattern infantry sword. The regulation gilt brass hilt with decorated urn pommel and quillion, and faceted knucklebow with good amount of the original fire gilt finish remaining. The folding shell guard has been neatly removed, but the sliding mechanism remains, as does the fixed shell guard, these indicating this is likely an earlier example. The silver twistwire grip in excellent condition.
The 31.75 inch single fullered blade. The first third of the blade is engraved with decoration to both sides, featuring floral swags and crowned GR coat of arms. It carries the makers marking of "Gill". The blade is now a dark brow/plum coloured patina for its entire length, with some staining towards the point, which is now slightly rounded. Good elements of the original blue and gilt finish are visible on both sides.
Housed in its original gilt brass mounted leather scabbard with twin hanging rings. The top mounts frog stud now absent. Some shrinkage evident, and the point of the blade has breached the drag. Some loss/opening of the stitiching to the rear of the scabbard.
A much better than average Napoleonic blue and gilt officers sword, with the bonus of research and an original scabbard.
Strictly over 18's only. Photo ID will be required before this item can be dispatched. Please send this at the time of ordering, to prevent unnecessary delay in your order being dispatched.
