This scarce Victorian sword was made for the Metropolitan River Police. The Metropolitan River Police were tasked with policing major British waterways, such as the Mersey and Tyne. The Metropolitan River Police sword differs from the Thames River Police hanger which has a cast brass guard and grip.
The 602mm broad blade has a flat spine above a wide single fuller. The fuller continues almost to the spear point. The blade is double-edged for the last 215mm. The blade is in very good condition.
The brass three-bar guard has a disk quillon and recessed oval pommel with a button through which the tang is peened. The front of the guard is stamped with the rack number 34 and a makers’ mark is stamped on the guard at the base of the blade. The numeral 5 is stamped beside the makers’ mark.
The shagreen wrapped grip is in good condition and retains its wire. The blade is firm in the hilt.
The sword is complete with its black leather scabbard with brass locket and chape. The leather of the scabbard is in good condition with scuffs and marks consistent with age and use. The sword sheathes and draws smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard.
This is a good example of a scarce 19th Century Metropolitan River Police sword.
