Constabulary short swords were standard issue in the 19th Century for members of the British Police and prison wardens. The presence of a locking catch dates it to around 1850 to 1860.
The 592mm broad, curved blade has a flat spine above a long single fuller on both sides. The fuller continues almost to the spear point. The single-edged blade becomes double-edged for the final 196mm. The blade is in very good condition. The blade retains its original leather washer.
The steel guard has a “D” shaped knuckle bow with stepped oval pommel and disk quillon. The steel cross-piece incorporates a press stud catch for locking the sword into the scabbard. The catch is in good working order.
The contoured wooden grip is wrapped with shagreen. The grip is in excellent condition and the blade is firm in the hilt.
The sword is complete with its original leather covered wooden scabbard with steel furniture. The steel locket has an oval frog stud. The locket and chape are in good condition with minor tarnish. The leather of the scabbard is in good condition and the stitching is intact and strong. The leather is stamped below the locket with a rose and the initials W.R.C. WRC is the identifier of the West Riding Constabulary, the rose representing the county of Yorkshire.
The sword sheathes and draws smoothly from the scabbard and locks firmly within.
This is an excellent example of an early Victorian British enforcement short sword for Yorkshire’s West Riding Constabulary.
