Royal Navy officer's sword with broadsword blade, British (c 1870-80)

Title	Royal Navy officer's sword with broadsword blade
Nationality	British
Period	c 1870-80

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This is one of the rarer Victorian officer variant swords (the normal blade was a backsword with a slight curve and a single fuller), in this case mounted with a Highland broadsword blade. According to John McGrath's excellent publication, Swords for Officers of the Royal Navy, these swords were in vogue between 1870 and 1880.

The maker (though the mark is very faint) would appear to be Walton of Gosport, in business from 1852 to 1905, when the firm moved to Portsmouth. It survived at Portsmouth until 1915.

There is a standard gilt brass hilt with a fishskin grip, which has a slight split at the top. Only traces of gilding remain on the guard and the etching on the scabbard mounts is now quite faint, having obviously had heavy service use. The blade is etched with the royal arms on one side and a foul anchor under the Victorian crown on the other. There is a provincial proof mark at the forte of the blade (29.75" long).

There are some scattered pit marks throughout the blade, which is otherwise in good condition, although the original factory finish has long gone. The scabbard is the original leather one. There is a modern knot with this, not illustrated, which I would throw in.

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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