A rare quill point 1827 pattern Royal Navy officers’ sword made by John Prosser of London. The engraving on the scabbard locket indicates that the sword was made during the reign of King William IV (1830-1837).
The 705mm Prosser patent pipe-back blade measures 33mm at the ricasso and has a pronounced yelman measuring 305mm in length. The blade terminates in a quill point. The yelman on naval quill point blades seems to have reduced in size as the pattern aged, suggesting that this sword is of early 1830’s production.
The impressive fighting blade is in good condition but has been over polished in the past. The blade has lost its etching and is bright with small patches of shallow pitting along the edge and towards the point.
The 1827 pattern, solid half-basket hilt is made of gilt brass and remains in excellent condition, retaining almost all of its gilt finish. The inner folding guard is in perfect working order and the hinge is firm and strong. The mane of the highly detailed lion head ends just below the pommel. The back strap is faceted and the “D” guard extends from between the lion’s jaws. The grip collar has an integral ring through which the sword knot was threaded. The white shagreen grip is of the highest quality and in excellent condition. The three strands of twisted wire are present and tight. The blade is firm in the hilt.
The original locket and chape have been added to a newly made black leather scabbard. The middle brass suspension ring band is a replacement.
The original brass locket is engraved with the maker’s details, “Prosser. Maker to the King and HRH the Duke of Cumberland.” The Duke of Cumberland was Ernest Augustus, the fifth son of George III. The Duke of Cumberland later became the King of Hanover in 1837 after the death of his older brother King William IV (King of Great Britain & Hanover).
The sword sheaths and draws smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard.
This is a good example of a rare early 1827 pattern Royal Navy officer’s fighting sword dating to between 1830 and 1837.
£1,095.00
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