Skip to main content
Lot 6039

An extremely rare cavalry backsword for a trooper of the Fitzjames Regiment Of Irish horse in the service of France
mid-18th century

6 December 2011, 10:00 PST
California, San Francisco

Sold for US$2,106 inc. premium

Own a similar item?

Submit your item online for a free auction estimate.

How to sell

Looking for a similar item?

Our Arms and Armour specialists can help you find a similar item at an auction or via a private sale.

Find your local specialist

Ask about this lot

An extremely rare cavalry backsword for a trooper of the Fitzjames Regiment Of Irish horse in the service of France
mid-18th century

Straight 36 inch double fullered blade with 6 inch false edge and engraved on one side Fitzjames Cavalierie. Brass guard comprising a large, fluted shell joined by two robust, scrolling arms to the knucklebow, which is screwed to the heavy pommel/backstrap. Inboard side with large thumb ring. Grip wrapped in plaited brass wire.
Condition: Blade showing areas of spotting/pitting, the upper 21 inches from the point a professional restoration. Hilt with scattered marks.
See Illustration

Footnotes

One of the most famous regiments of the 'Wild Geese', Irishman who fled British rule in Ireland in the 17th and 18th century and enlisted in the armies of many European countries. There were a number of Irish infantry regiments in the French service but Fitzjames Horse was the only cavalry regiment.
The Fitzjames regiment of Irish Horse was formed in France in 1698. It fought at Fontenoy and in the following year was sent to Scotland to serve with the army of Charles Stuart, the Young Pretender. Three troops landed at Aberdeen in February 1746 to an enthusiastic welcome. The squadron fought at Culloden, Captain Shee's troop providing the escort for Prince Charles. Following the battle, and having escorted the Prince from the field, Shee's troop was dismissed with orders to surrender to the Duke of Cumberland. Following the defeat of the French at the Battle of Wilhelmsthal the regiment was disbanded on 21 December 1762. For a full account of the regiment see Russell V. Steele, 'Fitzjames's Regiment Of Horse Of The Irish Brigade In The French Service', The Irish Sword, The Journal Of The Military History Society Of Ireland, vol. II, no. 7, Winter 1955, pp. 188-194

Additional information

Bid now on these items

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...