This excellent example of a Royal Navy Officer’s sword has only recently been retired from service and was chromed for parade purposes. It was the personal property of a retired Lieutenant Commander. The 1846 pattern “Wilkinson” style blade is of 1847 regulation width, being 26mm wide at the ricasso. The 79 cm slightly curved blade has a wide single fuller on both sides with a flat spine tapering to a spear point.
The blade is faintly etched with a Georgian crown and fouled anchor motif between foliage and scroll work on one side and the Royal Arms – a shield bearing lion and unicorn with the motto “Dieu Et Mon Droit” on the other. The chroming of the blade has made the etching faint.
The ricasso is marked “S. R. Gould & Sons. Fore St, Devonport,” which along with the slight curve to the blade dates the sword to around 1910 and the obverse ricasso bears a proof slug with the word “PROVED” above a central dot and the letter “S.” The spine is marked with the identifier/order number “1668.”
The blade is firm in the hilt and retains its leather washer.
The solid half-basket hilt is made of gilded brass and remains in excellent condition. The bowl of the guard bears the Georgian crown and fouled anchor of the Royal Navy. The inner folding guard is of the locking pin variety and is in perfect working order. The front of the guard has two holes through which the silver bullion sword knot is attached.
The mane of the highly detailed lion head pommel forms the back strap and the “D” guard extends from below the lion’s mouth. The attention to detail is excellent.
The ray skin grip is also of the highest quality and in very good condition. The copper wire is damaged.
The brass mounted black leather scabbard is original to the sword and is in excellent condition with only a minor dent to the bottom brass moiunt. The sword sheaths and draws well and is held firmly.
The condition of this sword and scabbard far surpasses those of similar age because they have remained in Naval service and have been cared for accordingly.
