A rare and hard to find Master at Arms’ sword from Her Majesty’s Indian Marine (formerly Bombay Marine).
The Bombay Marine was the fighting navy of the British East India Company and protected its ports and trading vessels from rival European powers and Asian pirates. Its personnel were also responsible for surveying and exploring Far Eastern waters. In 1877 it was decided to combine the Bombay and Bengal Marines into a new combatant service entitled “Her Majesty’s Indian Marine,” with Western (Bombay) and Eastern (Calcutta) Divisions - HM Indian Marine was renamed the Royal Indian Marine in 1892
This sword dates to between 1880 and 1885 and bears the badge of Her Majesty’s Indian Marine.
The 798mm single edged blade has a flat spine and broad single fuller on each side. The blade is double-edged for the last 230mm and terminates in a spear point with a raised medial ridge.
The blade is etched on both sides with foliate scrollwork and the navy’s fouled anchor below a five pointed star and crown. The ricasso bears a brass proof slug. The obverse ricasso bears the maker’s details, Firmin & Sons, 153 Strand London. Firmin and Sons traded from this address from 1880-1885. Prior to 1880, the premises were known as The Wheatsheaf, near Somerset House, Strand. After 1885, they added the neighbouring premises and their address became 153-155 Strand.
The blade is in good condition with a pale age patina and spots of darker tarnish. There are nicks to the edge consistent with use and some small patches of shallow pitting near the point.
The gilded brass guard is in excellent condition and retains its original gilding. The folding section of the guard is in working order. The guard bears an oval cartouche containing the badge of HM Indian Marine. The large lion head pommel is finely detailed and the lion’s mane flows down the length of the back strap into the grip collar. The shagreen grip is in good condition with wear and shrinkage to the shagreen consistent with years of service. The strands of copper wire are intact and tight. The colour of the shagreen (originally black/dark grey) indicates that this sword was the property of a Master at Arms; senior officer’s swords having a white shagreen grip.
The sword is complete with the correct pattern scabbard although I do not think that the scabbard is original to the sword. The sword sheaths and draws smoothly from the scabbard and the locking pin engages with the folding guard to hold the sword firmly within but there is a small gap of about 3-4mm between the top of the scabbard throat and the front of the guard when the sword is sheathed (see photos). The scabbard is in good condition (too good for the age of the sword). The leather is strong and the stitching intact and tight.
This is a good example of a rare naval sword from the seafaring days of the Victorian Raj. These swords are hard to find and do not come onto the market often.
