A rare quill point 1827 pattern Royal Navy officers’ sword probably made by John Prosser of London. This large sword has an un-etched blade, indicating that it was intended as a fighting weapon as opposed to being for dress purposes. The blade retains a fighting edge.
The 765mm Prosser patent pipe-back blade has a pronounced yelmen measuring 310mm in length and terminates in a quill point. The blade is 35mm wide at the shoulders.
The large fighting blade is un-etched. The blade is in excellent condition and is clean and bright, retaining its original polish with only some tiny spots of tarnish along the edge.
The 1827 pattern, solid half-basket hilt is made of gilt brass and remains in excellent condition, retaining almost all of its original 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 pommel 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 gilt brass mounted black leather scabbard is original to the sword and is in excellent condition. The leather is thick and strong and the stitching along the seam is intact. The leather retains its original finish as do the gilt brass locket and middle ring band. The chape has some wear and loss to the original gilt finish.
The sword sheaths and draws smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard.
This is an excellent example of a rare early 1827 pattern Royal Navy officer’s fighting sword.
