British Victorian 1845 Pattern Naval Officer's Sword

British Victorian 1845 Pattern Naval Officer’s Sword

This is a very unusual sword as the hilt style is of British Army regulation pattern, as is the blade. but the blade is etched with a fouled anchor. It is obviously for carrying by a “naval” officer and it is likely that this was for an officer of the Royal Dockyard Battalion (who protected British military coastal ports and installations) or it could be for an officer in the Royal Marines. Either way, it is a seldom encountered piece. The hilt and blade is of standard 1845 type and consists of a gilt brass Gothic hilt and grip wrapped in fishskin and bound with brass twistwire. The blade is decorated with a fouled anchor and crown, VR cypher and scrolling foliage. Retailer marked to the blade forte – John Adams and Son, opposite Royal Hotel, Devonport. Complete with leather and plated steel mounted scabbard.