British lionhead dragoon officer 4 slot hilt

Jim McDougall · 4th October 2020, 04:40 AM

This ivory grip lion head officers sword appears to be for light dragoons officer of c.1770. The four slot guard was well established at this time with its apparent advent in c. 1760s, and light dragoon troopers had this type guard with some having two branches, iron, and tall olive pommel.

There are no markings on the montmorency type cavalry blade, similar to other blades of light dragoon swords of this period.
The only visible marking is deeply stamped READ on the hilt.
Read may apply to several cutler/outfitters in Dublin around 1770.

The most likely would be John Read, at 4 Parliament St. Dublin whose brother Edward was apprentice there as well . (as per Annis & May, 1970. p.331).

These lion head pommels were well known around this time and are known also on other hangers etc.

Will M · 4th October 2020, 05:02 PM

Jim that's a wonderful sword, can you post more photos?

Bryce · 4th October 2020, 09:41 PM

G'day Jim,
Is that something inscribed on the blade?
Cheers,
Bryce

Jim McDougall · 5th October 2020, 06:09 AM

Thanks guys!
Yes, it is a capital F near the edge.........a 3 near the back. ??????
The blade is 37 3/4 "
I will get pics and more tomorrow.

Jim McDougall · 6th October 2020, 01:59 AM

Here are more photos of this British officers lionhead dragoon sword, which appears to have been retailed by Read, a cutler in Dublin c. 1770.
I have added another light dragoon sword of the four slot category but with two guard branches, also of c. 1770 for comparison.

I have added photo of the F and 3 which are seen on the blade parallel near back and edge.

The light dragoon is unmarked and with a German montmorency section blade of 35.5", and iron hilt.

The illustration from "London Silver Hilted Swords" (Leslie Southwick, 2001, plate 8) is of of a similar hilt style, lionhead c.1775 by Willian Kinman and the blade from Drury (Birmingham cutler). This illustrates the lionhead pommel style hilts popular in 1770s.

Will M · 6th October 2020, 08:09 PM

Jim those are two very good swords having style and function.
Two similar swords of mine pictured.

4th October 2020, 04:40 AM	#1
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 9,738	British lionhead dragoon officer 4 slot hilt This ivory grip lion head officers sword appears to be for light dragoons officer of c.1770. The four slot guard was well established at this time with its apparent advent in c. 1760s, and light dragoon troopers had this type guard with some having two branches, iron, and tall olive pommel. There are no markings on the montmorency type cavalry blade, similar to other blades of light dragoon swords of this period. The only visible marking is deeply stamped READ on the hilt. Read may apply to several cutler/outfitters in Dublin around 1770. The most likely would be John Read, at 4 Parliament St. Dublin whose brother Edward was apprentice there as well . (as per Annis & May, 1970. p.331). These lion head pommels were well known around this time and are known also on other hangers etc. Attached Images

6th October 2020, 01:59 AM	#5
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 9,738	Here are more photos of this British officers lionhead dragoon sword, which appears to have been retailed by Read, a cutler in Dublin c. 1770. I have added another light dragoon sword of the four slot category but with two guard branches, also of c. 1770 for comparison. I have added photo of the F and 3 which are seen on the blade parallel near back and edge. The light dragoon is unmarked and with a German montmorency section blade of 35.5", and iron hilt. The illustration from "London Silver Hilted Swords" (Leslie Southwick, 2001, plate 8) is of of a similar hilt style, lionhead c.1775 by Willian Kinman and the blade from Drury (Birmingham cutler). This illustrates the lionhead pommel style hilts popular in 1770s. Attached Images

6th October 2020, 08:09 PM	#6
Will M Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: In the wee woods north of Napanee Ontario Posts: 390	Jim those are two very good swords having style and function. Two similar swords of mine pictured. Attached Images

4th October 2020, 05:02 PM	#2
Will M Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: In the wee woods north of Napanee Ontario Posts: 390	Jim that's a wonderful sword, can you post more photos?

4th October 2020, 09:41 PM	#3
Bryce Member Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: North Queensland, Australia Posts: 174	G'day Jim, Is that something inscribed on the blade? Cheers, Bryce

5th October 2020, 06:09 AM	#4
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 9,738	Thanks guys! Yes, it is a capital F near the edge.........a 3 near the back. ?????? The blade is 37 3/4 " I will get pics and more tomorrow.