This British 1827/46 pattern Royal Navy reserve officer’s sword bears a Solingen-made blade and dates to the reign of King George V.
The 795mm single-edged blade has a flat spine above a deep single fuller. The spine bears the serial number 6630. The blade has a 240mm upper false edge and is etched with foliate scrollwork and trefoil arches, St. Edwards’ crown and the Royal Navy fouled anchor motif. The obverse of the blade bears the royal coat of arms amidst foliate scrollwork and arches. The blade is clean and bright and in good condition with small patches of pale tarnish.
The long ricasso is typical of German made blades and is without maker or retailer details. The obverse ricasso bears a brass proof stud showing a fleur-de-lys below the word PROVED. This proof stud is believed to be from a Solingen based maker in Germany and dates the sword to the period of WW1.
The solid half-basket hilt is in very good condition and is complete with its bullion sword knot. The bowl of the guard bears the crown and fouled anchor of the Royal Navy with the letters, RNR. The inner folding section is in perfect working order and mates nicely with the pin on the scabbard. The mane of the highly detailed lion head pommel extends the full length of the back strap. 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 very good example of a George V Royal Navy reserve officer’s sword.
