1796 Pattern Foot Artillery Officer's Sword of Captain Andrew {Andreas} Cleeve of the Kings German Legion at Waterloo and Previously at the Peninsular War in 1809

The sword is in beautiful condition with much original mercurial gilt remaining, and silver wire bound grip. Twin shell guards, with one folding down action in order the wear against the uniform. Straight blade, with just traces of old engraving overall traces of russetting polish beautifully bright, with urn shaped pommel hilt.

The King’s German Legion (KGL) Artillery was a highly elite, veteran contingent within Wellington’s army at Waterloo. They were organized into two horse artillery troops and one foot artillery battery, fielding a total of about 543 men, and primarily utilized standard British 9-pounder cannons and 5.5-inch howitzers.The KGL Artillery units played pivotal roles in holding the center and right flank of the Allied line:1st Horse Artillery (Captain Augustus Sympher): Stationed near the critical crossroads of La Haye Sainte, this battery engaged in heavy counter-battery fire and helped repel aggressive French cavalry charges.2nd Horse Artillery (Captain Heinrich Jakob Kuhlmann): Placed with the Allied reserve, this unit moved into the frontline as casualties mounted, delivering devastating canister fire to break French infantry columns.2nd Foot Artillery (Captain Andreas Cleeves): Supported the right of the Allied line near Hougoumont, maintaining continuous artillery fire against French artillery and infantry throughout the day.The KGL artillerymen served with incredible distinction; their exceptional resilience resulted in approximately 130 casualties. For their bravery during the battle, Majors Kuhlmann, Sympher, and von Arentsschildt were knighted into the Order of the Bath.

The 4th Foot Battery saw action at Copenhagen and throughout the Peninsular War distinguishing themselves at Oporto, Talavera, Busaco, Albuera, Ciudad Rodrigo, Salamanca, Vittoria and Orthes. Then, final glorious action occurring at Quatre Bras and culminating in the battle of Waterloo, holding position behind La Haye Sainte in the centre-right of the Allied line on Mont St. Jean ridge. The regiment was commanded by Colonel Christian von Ompteda. Second-in-command was initially Major von Linsingen who was later succeeded by Majors Röttiger then Hartmann. The 4th foot battery was commanded initially by Captain Heise, then Sympher and finally Cleeve at the battle of Waterloo.

Normal more usual ordinance for this battery in the latter stages of the war were six nine-pounder guns and two 5.5-inch Howitzers. The 3 pounders were light artillery bronze cannon, known affectionately as British "Grasshopper" Guns: Famously used by the British Army as light field guns, these highly mobile 3-pounders were designed to be dragged by infantry or horses through rough terrain. Their lightweight split-trail mounts and propensity to jump backward upon firing earned them the nickname "grasshopper"

Prior to Waterloo Capt. Cleeves was in the Peninsular Campaign
Campaign of 1809

Under the Immediate Command of Beresford

Three Portuguese batteries under the command of Major Victor von Arentschild, of the King's German Legion, with guns of 6 pounders, a light battery with of 3 pounders

Code: 26280