Constabulary short swords were standard issue in the 19th Century for members of the British police and prison wardens.
The lack of a locking catch dates this hanger to pre-1850. Around 1850, the locking catch was added after a number of incidents in which police officers and prison wardens had their swords snatched out of the scabbards and turned against them.
The 59cm broad, curved blade has a flat spine above a long single fuller on both sides. The single-edged blade has a 196mm unsharpened false upper edge. The blade is in very good condition with minimal use related marks
The steel guard has a “D” shaped knuckle bow with stepped oval pommel.
The contoured wooden grip is wrapped with shagreen. The grip is in good condition with excellent use related wear and little loss to the shagreen. The blade is firm in the hilt.
The sword is complete with its original leather covered wooden scabbard with steel furniture. The leather of the scabbard is in great condition and the stitching is intact and strong. The sword sheathes and draws smoothly from the scabbard.
This is an excellent example of an early Victorian British constabulary short sword, possibly issued to the military police or guards in a military prison.
*Condition*
Please see pictures as these form part of our condition report. This item has lost some finish in small areas on the blade and grip but these are minor. The scabbard has not fared quite so well with a various scratches and patches of damage and the metal is pitted and has lost its finish.
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