Sword guard
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1850-1870
This object is a pierced silver sword guard, configured as an openwork circular plaque shaped like a sword guard. It was made in England between 1850 and 1870 by the maker George Cayley. The piece has a recorded diameter of 8.1 centimetres and a depth of 0.2 centimetres.
The ornamental design features three distinct heraldic shields displaying the coats of arms of the Cayley family and others. These shields are positioned around a central geometric opening and are interconnected by pierced openwork consisting of loops, trefoils, and scrolled details that form the outer perimeter. The entire object was produced using piercing techniques in silver, and a red substance or coating is present across all of the inside surfaces and cut edges.
On the centre of the front, the guard bears the inscription 'G I C', recorded as the initials of George John Cayley.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Physical characteristics
- Material
- Pierced silver with red coating on inside surfaces
- Dimensions
- Diameter: 8.1 cm; Depth: 0.2 cm
Technical characteristics
- Inscriptions
- Date: Text: Research required; Latest: Research required; Earliest: Research required; Note: On centre of front.; Type: Research required; Medium: Research required; Method: Research required; Script: Research required; Content: 'G I C'; Language: Research required; Position: Research required; Inscriber: Name: Id: Research required; Text: Research required; Association: Id: Research required; Text: Research required; Description: Research required; Translation: Initials of George John Cayley; Interpretation: Research required; Transliteration: Research required
- Maker recorded
- Cayley
- Place recorded
- England
Identification
- Source note
- Transcribed from the Victoria and Albert Museum collection record for this single object; how far it represents a wider collectible type has not been independently verified.
- Museum object name
- Sword guard
- Museum object number
- M.376-1911
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.