George IV's sophisticated artistic taste and extravagance are well documented. He commissioned lavish building schemes at Carlton House, The Royal Pavilion, Brighton, Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle, heralding one of the most significant periods of acquisition in the history of the Royal Collection. He was a prolific purchaser of jewels, including this sword, which cost the very considerable sum of £3,687. The hilt is mounted with hundreds of brilliant and rose-cut diamonds.  The sword dates from about 1750 and was probably made in Germany, but it was altered in 1820, the year of George's accession, by the royal goldsmiths and jewellers Rundell, Bridge & Rundell. The pommel (the fitting at the top of the handle) is fashioned in the shape of a lion.