Here we have a sword purchased between 1830-1837 by a Brevet Major James Kirkman. Joining the Army in 1794 with the 122nd regiment and spent some time there before transferring to the 128th and later the 52nd, this takes his career as a Second Lieutenant through to 1809, not much can be seen about this service but some of his time in the 128th was on half pay. Kirkman was transferred to the 95th Rifles shortly before the campaign of 1810.
He served for almost the full duration of the Peninsular Campaign from 1810 to 1814.
Serving in the Defence of Cadiz, Siege of Tarragona, Barrosa, Puente Guinaldo, Aldea de Ponte, he stormed the breach at Ciudad Rodrígo and Badajoz after volunteering for the Forlorn Hope (wounded in the head inside the city), Salamanca, Capture of Madrid, actions at San Munoz and San Milan before the Battle of Salamanca before chasing the Napoleonic armies to the Pyrenees with actions at Pampeluna, Echalar, Bidassoa, various actions in the Pyrenees, before taking part in the Battle of Nivelle (wounded in the arm).
At this point I believe he spent some time in hospital before being called back to the regiment to take part in the campaign in Belgium in 1815. He received the War Medal with 8 clasps.
He was then out on half pay in 1824 (potentially due to injuries) and made barrack master for Montego Bay, Jamaica, shortly after he took part in the Baptist Uprising. For the final part of his service he was a barrack master in Dublin. He received the rank of Brevet Major before his death in Kingstown in 1864
This sword is in good condition and has a few small edge nicks as is common with pipebacks. The sword has a brass scabbard which is likely purchased when he became a Major. This sword can be yours for £1375 or best offer.