British, Royal Navy Officers 1846 Pattern Sword & Scabbard, by Henry Wilkinson, retailed by Gieves Ltd

*British, Royal Navy Officers 1846 Pattern Sword & Scabbard, by Henry Wilkinson, retailed by Gieves Ltd*

Measures approx 80cm blade, 94cm overall.

Marked on Ricasso: "By Warrant Henry Wilkinson, Pall Mall, London" and on the obverse: "By appointment Gieves ltd, London, Portsmouth & Devonport". Proof mark to the forte. Marked on Spine: 56993. Scabbard has a no "2" on the throat.

This is an excellent example of  lion pommel headed 1846 Pattern Sword. The first Royal Navy pattern sword was created in 1805, its elegant but impractical design being superseded by a solid-hilt design developed in 1846.

Royal Navy officer's sword with very slightly curved fullered single-edged blade double-edged at the point and finely etched with scrollwork, a crowned fouled anchor, and the Royal Arms. Gilt-brass hilt with Queens crown and anchor cypher with sword-knot, folding guard which folds on a brass hinge towards the blade, to engage with a pin on the scabbard top mount and allow the sword to rest easily against the wearer’s side when worn. The hinged guard flap, which had been standard (if not universal) from 1822, started to disappear in the 1850s, to be replaced by a solid brass guard almost universally after around 1860. Wire-bound white shagreen/fishskin grip with lion's mask pommel and lions mane backstrap. Original black leather scabbard with gilt-brass mounts.

*Condition*
In good condition. A few minor nicks, tarnishing and minor pitting on the blade. The sword sheaths and draw very well. Some minor wear and tear to the scabbard. The folding guard is present and functioning crisply, with no slackness and plenty of snap. Scabbard fits securely. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

JAQBEOXDEO_6713151883