This sword is a rare variant of the British 1827 pattern Royal Navy officer’s sword. The sword guard and blade bear the arms of Trinity House.
Trinity House, founded in 1514 by King Henry VIII, is the General Lighthouse Authority for England, Wales, the Channel Islands and Gibraltar. It provides marine navigation aids such as buoys and radio & satellite communication systems. Trinity House is also responsible for marking and dispersing wrecks and is an official deep sea pilotage authority, providing expert navigators for ships trading in Northern European waters.
HRH the late Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh was the Master of the Corporation, a role now fulfilled by the Princess Royal, HRH Princess Anne.
The 800mm single-edged blade has a broad, flat spine tapering to a 250mm double-edge and spear point. A single fuller runs along both sides of the blade ending in a medial rib down to the point.
The blade is etched with a crown and the Arms of Trinity House, the Cross of St. George between four sailing ships, each under full sail. Panels of fouled oak leaves and acorns complete the etching. The obverse of the blade bears the crown and royal cypher of King George V amidst fouled oak boughs. The ricasso bears the cutlers name, “GIEVES” and the obverse bears a brass proof stud.
The blade is clean and bright and in excellent condition with a small patch of cleaned pitting at the point.
The solid half-basket hilt is made of gilt brass and is in excellent condition. The bowl of the guard bears the Arms of Trinity House in place of the usual fouled anchor of the Royal Navy. The inner folding guard is in perfect working order and mates nicely with the pin on the scabbard. The mane of the highly detailed lion head pommel forms the back strap and the “D” guard extends from below the lion’s chin. The twisted copper wire wrap is present and in excellent condition.
The brass mounted black leather scabbard is original to the sword and is in good condition with some scuffing and loss to the original finish. The sword sheaths and draws well and is held firmly within the scabbard.
This is a rare and seldom available Trinity House officer’s sword in very good condition.
