A Superb and Rare King George IIIrd, Napoleonic Wars Era Sword Knot Used in the Peninsular War and Waterloo Period by British Generals & Staff Officers. A Finest Quality All Gold Bullion Sword Knot

In delightful condition for age, the perfect accompaniment to a fine 18th century to early 19th century Georgian sword, from the Peninsular War or Waterloo period, or, as a wonderful collector's piece in its own right, possibly mounted in a glazed frame.


These fancy pure gold bullion and silk sword knots are so difficult to find in this condition, and with its fabulous gilt finish patina. An absolute gem of a sword knot.

The sword knot began existence as a simple cord attached to the hilt of the sword of a mounted soldier. The knot is in fact, a loop usually made out of leather, or gold and silver bullion over silk for officers.
Before engagement with the enemy the soldier or officer wraps the loop around his wrist to prevent the loss of his sword, which can happen either in the heat of the battle or if he needs to relax his group in order to steady his mount.

In more recent years the sword knot has gradually evolved to become a more ornamental and decorative piece of uniform regalia. The design of it has also changed such that it now features a double strap which is also attached to the sword guard and wrapped around the hilt when not attached to the wrist.

In the 18th century, high-quality military and diplomatic gold bullion uniform decoration (often called goldwork) was made from genuine gold-gilded silver or pure gold wire wrapped around a flexible fibre core, usually made of silk.

Because pure gold is too soft and heavy on its own, it was traditionally beaten into ultra-fine sheets or drawn into hairline wires, wrapped around the thread core, and then spun tightly into a hollow, spring-like spiral tube

The metal wire was wound tightly around a long needle or mandrel to form a hollow, flexible, tubular spring. Artisans would cut these long springs into tiny segments (like metallic beads) to stitch them onto uniforms or to create sword knots

A hundred years later, since the late 19th century, there are two main types of sword knots: full dress and active service. The sword knot used for active service features a plain buff leather strap, while the full dress versions are usually more elaborate creations made from gold and silver cord with decorative tassels for that final added flourish.

Pictures in the gallery are a portrait of King George IIIrd in full dress uniform and his sword is fitted with the very same sword knot type.

Code: 26411