This is likely to have been made towards the end of the American Revolutionary War (Peace of Paris, 1783) or during the early part of the Napoleonic Wars (starting 1793). This would have been carried by an RN officer or HEIC naval officer, and this example is interesting in having a particularly long (approx 26") blade.
This weapon was almost certainly made using a captured Spanish rapier blade (c 1620), which has been cut down. It would have been carried in a silver-mounted leather scabbard, now sadly lost.
The blade has a patinated grey finish, the hilt mounts and chain are of unhallmarked silver and the grip is ebony with silver panels. The pommel button is fitted with a screw thread matching that on the iron tang. Allowing for its age, the piece is in excellent condition throughout, although the chainwork has suffered somewhat, there being minor breaks to this and a small break to the loop on the end of one of the quillons.
I have tightened the grip with the insertion of a beechwood fillet, since, as is only to be expected with a piece of this age, the grip was a little loose.
If you want to comment on this item—re quality, age, etc—please email me.
[Edged Weapons : Dirks : British : 18th Century]
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