British 1827/46 pattern Royal Navy reserve officer’s sword retailed by E. J. Monnery & Sons between 1910 and 1914.
The 800mm single-edged blade has a flat spine above a deep single fuller. The blade has a 260mm upper false edge and is etched with foliate scrollwork and trefoil arches, St. Edwards’ crown and the Royal Navy fouled anchor motif above the letters; R. N. R, designating, Royal Navy Reserve. The obverse of the blade bears the royal cypher of King George V amidst foliate scrollwork and arches. The blade is clean and bright and in good condition with small patches of cleaned pitting and tarnish.
The ricasso is etched with the cutler’s name, E. J. Monnery & Son, Fenchurch St. The obverse ricasso bears a brass proof stud showing a stylised fleur-de-lys below the word PROVED.
Edward Josiah Monnery traded from 50 Fenchurch St, London and used this form of makers’ mark between 1910 and 1914.
The solid half-basket hilt is in very good condition. The bowl of the guard bears the crown and fouled anchor of the Royal Navy. The inner folding section is in perfect working order and mates nicely with the pin on the scabbard. The shortened mane of the highly detailed lion head pommel ends in a smooth back strap with knurled thumb rest. The knuckle bow of the guard extends from between the lion’s teeth. The white shagreen grip is in excellent condition and the twisted wire wrap is intact and tight.
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 is a good example of an early George V Royal Navy reserve officer’s sword.
