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

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]

testimonials

[From a vendor, rather than a buyer]

I'm delighted that you are happy with the badge and I hope you can sell it to someone who will value owning it.

I tried to sell it on eBay but they won't accept Nazi items. I then contacted several dealers via a Google search who mostly offered me £40-£50 after some haggling. Most of the other dealers tried to conceal its true value in their replies and also lacked manners which doesn't inspire confidence.

Ultimately it's about trust. I should think that most prospective sellers have done their own research and therefore know roughly what their item is worth. You were the only dealer who had the integrity to concede that my valuation was approximately correct and I respect your comment that you can't offer this as you need to make a profit. Your honest approach is greatly appreciated and I felt comfortable taking the risk in sending it to you.

Thank you for a smooth transaction

C D, UK, 01.07.2015

Having received the beautiful medal that has been the subject of many recent phone calls, I am absolutely delighted with it. More importantly, the research you provided into the military backgrounds of all those involved made it all the more poignant. Thank you for your highly professional and friendly help and advice throughout the transaction.

Edward Hudson, UK, 10.02.2011

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