AN IRISH PRESENTATION SABRE GIVEN BY THE GENTLEMEN OF THE COUNTY OF KILKENNY TO WILLIAM IZOD, HIGH SHERIFF, FOR HIS GALLANT CONDUCT, 1810, BY S. BRUNN. SWORD MAKER TO H.R.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES, 56 CHARING CROSS, LONDON with curved blade double-edged towards the point, etched in imitation of watered steel, with some early blued and gilt finish and decorated with trophies-of-arms, the figures of Justice and Victory, a scrolling panels of key ornament and the presentation inscription, over the greater part of its surface, iron hilt comprising a pair of pointed langets, quillon-block inset with a gilt eagle displayed, quillons formed as fasces, stirrup guard applied with a gilt foliate plaque on the outside at the base, gilt-brass back-strap rising to a cap pommel decorated with foliage, and finely chequered hardwood grip, in its fishskin-covered wooden scabbard with large gilt-brass mounts comprising locket, chape and middle band each reinforced with a chiselled iron band formed as fasces, the upper two with a ring for suspension (the gilding on the hilt and scabbard restored), and the locket decorated with the triumphant mounted figure of St George on one face and the maker's details on the other 81.7 cm; 32 ¼ in blade The presentation inscription reads: "Given By The Gentlemen Of The County Of Kilkenny to William Izod Esq. High Sheriff For His Gallant Conduct on y. 15 Augt. 1810". William Izod was a major in the Kilkenny Militia and provided one hundred and sixty volunteers for them in 1810 when they were stationed at Wexford. The vendor's notes state that this sword was presented following the receipt of information of a proposed attack by an armed band who were lying in wait with four "confidential men". Izod and his men routed the gang of twelve to fourteen, two of whom were killed. The four men who assisted each received a case of pistols and fifteen guineas. In his correspondence Izod states on 2nd September, 1810 that '…..[in a recent instance, the county had given him £ 100]…..'an inadequate compensation for such an important and timely discovery'. See Böiger 2005.