Scarce British 1827 pattern Claymore bladed Royal Navy officer’s sword.
The 785mm double-edged (broadsword) blade has narrow twin fullers on both sides with a spear point. The blade is etched with a crown and the Royal Navy fouled anchor motif between foliate scrollwork. The obverse of the blade bears the Royal coat of arms amidst foliate scrollwork. The blade is clean and bright with small patches of tarnish along the edges. The blade is in very good condition for its age and service.
The ricasso bears a brass proof slug showing the word “PROVED” over a central dot. The obverse ricasso bears the details of the cutlers, “Fraser & Davis, Outfitters, Portsmouth.” Fraser & Davis used this style of marking from 1863 to 1890.
The solid 1827 pattern, gilt brass half-basket hilt is in good condition. The bowl of the guard bears the Georgian crown and fouled anchor of the Royal Navy. The inner folding guard is in perfect working order and mates nicely with the pin on the scabbard.
The mane of the highly detailed lion head pommel extends for the full length of the back strap and the “D” guard extends from the lion’s mouth, dating the sword to early in the second half of the 19th Century. The ray skin grip is of the highest quality and in very good condition with its original Blanco. The twisted copper wire wrap is present and correct.
The brass mounted black leather scabbard is original to the sword and is in good condition. The stitching is intact and tight. The throat of the scabbard bears a shield showing a crown over the cutlers’ details, “Fraser & Davis. Outfitters. Portsmouth.” The leather of the scabbard remains stiff and strong. The sword sheaths and draws smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard. The folding section of the guard mates nicely with the locking pin.
This is a very good example of a rare Claymore bladed Royal Navy 1827 pattern sword.
