I have what I know to be a P 1796 Infantry Officers Sword. Blade etched "The Royal Scots" in a scroll
on both sides. Brass fixed clamshell guards with raised brass royal cypher "GR" over "The Royal Scots"
over "Egypt". Brass pommel and wire wrapped grip. No proof marks or makers name on the blade or
ricasso. There were a few King Georges between 1796 and now, Questions......How can I determine
an approximate age ? Did the royal cyphers change appearance along with the king's reign ?
Any help would be appreciated. Thanks, Smokey.

My guess is that it was made during the reign of George III (ruled 1760-1820). The 2nd Battalion, Royal Scots Regiment took part in the capture of Egypt in 1801, which is a hint. It is less likely that it was made during the reign of George IV (ruled 1820-30), as the 2nd Battalion, Royal Scots saw no action in Egypt during that time (they were posted to first the West Indies in 1803, then India before returning to Britain in 1831). The next George is George V (ruled 1910-36), which is way too late for the P1796. The regiment changed its name from "1st (Royal) Regiment of Foot" to "1st Regiment of Foot (Royal Scots)" in 1812, and then to "1st, or The Royal Regiment of Foot " in 1821. So my guess is that the sword was made in the period between 1812 and 1821, and probably for an officer serving in the 2nd Battalion in India, as the 1st Bn was posted to the Americas, and the 3rd and 4th Bns were stationed in Europe, where they were to fight at Quatre Bras and Waterloo in 1812.

I hope this is of help. I had fun googling for info!

Thanks Bjorn, you told me what I wanted to hear and it follows my thoughts with the surfing i've done. But i've also been told that because Egypt was a battle honor for the Royal Scots they used it on their weapons for some time after 1801.

That's quite possible, of course, which would place the date of manufacture somewhere between the years 1801 and 1812 instead. Any which way, I think it is safe to assume it was made no earlier than 1801, and no later than 1821.

Thanks again, will check out your site, am still learning how to take decent photos worthy of posting.