William IV acceded to the throne on 26 June 1830 and this early sabretache is likely to be the first pattern of his reign. The rounded shape of the base can be seen in the Spooner print of the 3rd Dragoon Guards published in 1833. This specimen gives a clue as to why this shape was unsatisfactory, as the gold lace has been gathered but does not look right. The WR reverse cypher is badly designed and does not fit well with the chunky nature of the oak-leaf wreath. The WATERLOO battle honour is placed over the base of the wreath.
