This classic weapon was made by Parker Field & Sons of 233 High Holborn,London. This firm was the pimary armourer for the early police in London and later for the Metropolitan Police. Portland Prison, in Dorset, opened in 1848. These swords would have been carried by the prison warders.
The scabbard - black leather witth iron mounts, in its original belt frog - has been carefully restored. The seam had split and has now been carefully glued and pinned in place. Moreover, the leather has a varnish finish which I do not want to disturb. There is some wear to the belt side of the grip consonant with hard service use.
The blade - 22.5 inches long, with an iron mounted fishskin grip - has suffered somewhat (storage in a damp place?), both the maker's details and 'Portland Prison' being heavily worn through cleaning. Nonetheless a rare find, as fully engraved prison cutlasses have always been hard to find.
If you want to comment on this item—re quality, age, etc—please email me.
[Edged Weapons : Swords : British : 19th Century]
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