NAM.1963-10-114-1

Officer’s Presentation sword, 1804; blade engraved with the figure of Britannia, the crown, garter and motto, the London coat of arms and motto and the dedication; ornate stirrup guard with an ivory grip inset with a metal disc bearing a crest on one side and Hilton’s initials ‘JH’ on the other side; marked with the maker’s initials, J Y, James Young, in business from 1775; blade enraved with floral motifs, trophies of arms, crests, figure of Justice, figure of Victory, other military figure; silver gilt cord, with yellow thread and scarlet worm, with gold bullion tassel; presented to Capt John Hilton, 2nd Loyal London Volunteer Infantry, by the 5th Company of the regiment as a mark of their esteem for his conduct and ability; Hilton was made Captain on the 17 Sep 1804; Volunteer officers were often considered to be wealthy, a fact which is reflected in the high quality of this weapon.