Captain Henry Boyes is a well known historical figure. His awards can be seen today at the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge University.
In 1848, he was awarded the Naval General Service Medal, with bars for Lion 15 July 1798, Basque Roads 1809 & Boat Service 27 Sep 1810.
Boyce entered the navy in May 1796 on HMS Lion. He took part in the action off Carthagena in 1798 and was made prisoner by the French at one point.
By 1809-10 he had been promoted Lieutenant and was serving aboard the 120-gun first-rate battleship HMS Caledonia.
From 1815 until 1841 he remained on half pay until was appointed captain of the HMS Vixen, a navy steamer.
Also he served in China on the Yang-Tse river and was advanced post-captain in December 1842.
This sword was presented to Henry Boyce on 30th August 1841 by Viscount Galway, as it is etched on the blade.
The sword comes with some photo copies of the navy’s records where the captain is mentioned and with a complete list of the ships he has served on.
The sword is made in the 1827 pattern with an etched pipeback lightly curved blade. Parts of the etchings are still visible preserving the fouled anchor and the maker’s name ‘Hunt and Collins of Haymarket, London’ and on the other side the Royal Cipher.
The sword’s basket is fitted with a folding side guard and is decorated with the fouled anchor under Queens Crown.
The grips are made of wired snakes skin and brass.
~ Dimensions ~
The blade length is 30.3 inches (77 cm) and the word’s overall length is 35.5 inches (90 cm).
~ Condition ~
The blade has darkened, as expected for its age, and some of the etchings are worn but its overall condition is good. There are some small nicks on the edge and a 1 cm wide area of pitting on one of the sides.
The brass basket is in a general good condition with signs of wear and some loss of its gilt.
The grips are complete and undamaged.
ref. GS4513CA4 / ASC00XPP24TM43M
