Standard pattern used through the Victorian period and in use today. Plated hilt of pierced “Gothic” form with the strung bugle badge of the Rifle Brigade. Wire wrapped ray skin grip in excellent preservation. 32 5/8” broad fullered curved blade with inset proof to the ricasso. The Rifle Brigade was formed in 1803 as sharpshooters during the Napoleonic Wars. It went through reassignments over the Victorian period, serving in numerous conflicts including the Mahdist War of 1898 and the Boer War. This example shows years of gentle polishing for full dress presentation and likely dates to the Victorian period.
