This ornately embellished saber was presented to Major William Nickson Izod (1782-1848), high sheriff of County Kilkenny, Ireland. It was presented to Major Izod by the gentleman of the county after his discovery of a plot to attack a member of the local gentry in their home, with the goal of acquiring further arms. On the night of the planned attack Izod was able to assemble with himself four armed men, who were likely members of the county militia in which he was an officer, to lay in wait for the would-be attackers. Twelve to fourteen bandits emerged not long after Major Izod and his men had arrived. Despite being desperately outnumbered they quickly sprung their trap, killing two of the attackers and driving the rest away. This saber seems a fitting trophy for such gallantry and was no doubt a small price for the local gentry to pay, knowing they could sleep peacefully once again. The saber was made by S. Brunn, sword maker to His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales and, though more ornate, shows many characteristics of light cavalry sabers of the period. The curved blade is approximately 32 inches long with false Damascene patterns, etched stands of arms, etched representations of Victory, Brittania, and Justice, traces of blue and gilt finishes throughout, and the central inscription which reads, "GIVEN BY THE GENTLEMEN OF THE COUNTY/OF KILKENNY TO WILLIAM IZOD Esq HIGH SHERIFF/FOR HIS GALLANT CONDUCT on y. 15nAugt, 1810". The ornate hilt has triangular languets, gilt eagle inset quillion block with straight quillions, knuckle guard, and black checkered hardwood grip with gilt floral spine and mask pommel. The scabbard is black shagreen-covered with three large gilt mountings with floral details, the top of which is engraved with S. Brunn maker's mark on one side and a relief representation of St. George and the dragon on the other.

Very fine, the blade showing mostly a bright grey patina with some scattered patches of light pitting, faint Damascene type patterns and traces of blue and gilt finishes throughout. The hilt shows primarily grey patina with bright intact gilt mountings and a few minor blemishes in the overall crisp grip checkering. The scabbard is also very fine retaining shagreen with some mild discoloration and complete and bright gilt mountings. A very attractive presentation saber with interesting Irish history!