This British 1846/47 pattern early Victorian Royal Navy officer’s sword was made by Robert Mole of Birmingham and retailed by John Selby of Portsmouth. The sword was made between 1847 and 1854.
In 1846, the Royal Navy adopted the so called “Wilkinson” style blade and in 1847, the mane of the lion head pommel was extended to run the full length of the hilts’ back strap. In 1847, a new method of wearing the sword was also adopted, requiring the scabbard to have twin suspension rings on the top locket. This fashion was short lived and by 1856, scabbards reverted to having an upper and middle suspension ring as before.
The 760mm slightly curved blade has a flat spine and is double-edged for the last 250mm. A three-quarter length single fuller runs below the flat spine ending in a medial rib down to the spear point.
The blade is etched with a Tudor crown and the Royal Navy fouled anchor motif between arches and foliate scrollwork. The obverse of the blade bears the Royal Arms depicting a lion and unicorn rampant and the motto “Dieu et Mon Droit.” The blade is clean and bright and in excellent condition with some small, isolated spots of tarnish.
The ricasso bears a Robert Mole proof disk. The obverse ricasso bears the cutlers details, “Selby, High St., Portsmouth.” John Selby died in 1854
The solid half-basket hilt is in great condition, retaining its original gilt finish. The bowl of the guard bears the Tudor crown and fouled anchor of the Royal Navy. The inner folding guard is in perfect working order. The folding section is engraved with the officer’s initials, EGTG.
The knuckle bow of the guard is held in the jaws of the very detailed lion head and mane extends for the full length of the back strap. The shagreen grip is of top quality and in great condition although a little dirty. The copper wire wrap is present and in excellent condition.
The 1847 pattern brass mounted black leather scabbard is original to the sword and is in good condition with small areas of loss to the original finish. The locket of the scabbard has twin suspension rings. The rear of the locket bears the cutler’s details, Selby, High St., Portsmouth. The sword sheaths and draws smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard.
This is a very good example of an early 1847 pattern Victorian Royal Navy officer’s sword.
