Reeman Dansie
Lot 76
Fine early 19th century Irish presentation sword with gilt bronze hilt with helmet pommel and gilt and silvered stirrup guard with crowned GR cipher, twin langets with silver crowned Irish harp to one side and 9th (Norfolk Regiment) of Foot Hibernia badge to the other, original red and gold bullion dress knot - the gilt copper scabbard with scarlet leather inserts, engraved on locket 'A Tribute of affectionate respect from the Corporation of Drogheda to their Gallant Townsman John Ackland Esq. Captn of the 9th Foot for his meritorious services in the Peninsula, Oct. 10th 1817. Peter Van Hoorick Recorder' and 'J. Read & Sons Makers, 8 College Green, Dublin' - the curved fullered blade retaining much original blued, gilt and polished finish and engraved to the tip of the blade with crowned 1801 - 1816 Royal Arms, crowned GR, military trophies, Justice, Britannia and Soldiers, Angels, Order of St. Patrick and crowned Irish harps.
Captain John Ackland 9th (Norfolk) Regiment of Foot, described in his own words his service on his 1829 Statement of Service for retired officers:-
'I was appointed and Ensign to the 9th Regiment of Foot in 1806 and served under Sir Arthur Wellesley Campaign of 1808 in Portugal and in that severe and trying campaign under Sir John Moore in Spain, that shortly after I served in the Expedition to Walcheren when my health was much impaired by the disastrous sickness which prevailed. That prior to my perfect recovery from this severe illness I again returned to the Peninsular under Lord Wellington where I remained actively engaged until severely wounded on the retreat from Burgos although I had been previously so at Salamanca. I was ordered to England for the recovery of my health from the wounds and on its being established I accompanied the 1st Battalion of the Regiment to America although not effective therein, on my return to Europe with the Regiment I was placed on half pay!' He received a pension of £100 per annum commencing 25th October 1813 (for loss of the use of a hand at Burgos, Villa Muriel 25th October 1812) and retired to Drogheda, Ireland, where he assumed the life of a country squire
Provenance: Purchased by Philip Southgate in 1984 from Peter Dale Ltd. Pall Mall, London, who purchased it at Phillips Arms & Armour Auction 23rd February 1984 - lot 159. Sold with catalogue and letters of provenance
