Constabulary short swords were standard issue in the 19th Century for members of the British police and prison wardens.
The presence of a locking catch dates this hanger to post 1850. Around 1850, the locking catch was added after a number of incidents in which police officers and prison wardens had their swords snatched out of the scabbards and turned against them.
The 620mm broad, curved blade has a flat spine above a long single fuller on both sides. The fuller continues almost to the spear point. The blade is double-edged for the last 220mm. The forte is etched with the makers’ details, “Parker Field & Sons, 233 Holborn. London.” The blade is in excellent condition.
The brass guard has a “D” shaped knuckle bow with disk quillon and stepped oval pommel through which the tang is peened. The contoured wooden grip is wrapped with shagreen. The grip is in very good condition with minor age and use related wear. The blade is firm in the hilt.
This is an excellent example of a mid-19th Century Victorian police sword.
