British P1827 Royal Navy officer’s sword owned by Lt. Commander John William Sherwood.
Lt. CDR Sherwood joined the Royal Navy during WW2, in September 1942 and retired from the service in 1973.
The 795mm single-edged blade has a slightly rounded spine tapering to a 260mm upper false edge. A long single fuller runs below the spine ending in a medial rib down to the spear point.
The blade is deeply etched on a matt grey background with a crown and the Royal Navy fouled anchor motif between fouled oak leaves and acorns. The obverse of the blade bears the royal cypher of Queen Elizabeth II amidst fouled oak boughs. The blade is clean and bright and in excellent, near mint condition. The forte bears the Royal Warrant and the legend “By appointment to H. M. Queen Elizabeth II,” above the Wiliknson Sword Company logo and details. The obverse bears the Wilkinson Sword proof etching. The spine is stamped with the serial number, 95054.
The gilt brass solid half-basket hilt is in excellent condition. The bowl of the guard bears the Georgian crown and 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 excellent condition. The sword sheaths and draws well and is held firmly within the scabbard.
This Royal Navy officer’s sword is in excellent condition. Given a polish, it would be parade ready. This would be a great sword for a newly commissioned or serving officer.
