A rare early 1827 pattern William IV (1830-1837) Royal Navy officers’ sword with a quill pointed blade made famous by John Prosser of London. The sword was made between 1832 and 1837.
The 788mm pipe-back blade has a pronounced yelmen measuring 290mm in length and terminates in a quill point.
The blade is in fantastic condition and retains its full etching and original polish. There are some small patches of pale tarnish along the spine and towards the quill point. The blade is beautifully etched with the crowned Royal Arms and the forte bears a ribboned banner containing the words “Warranted London Manufacture.” The obverse bears a crown above the Royal Navy fouled anchor. The forte is etched with the cutler’s details, “E. & E. Emanuel Sword cutlers to the King. 101, High St Portsmouth & 3, Hard Portsea.”
The 1827 pattern, solid half-basket hilt is made of gilt brass and remains in excellent condition. The inner folding guard is in perfect working order and the hinge is firm and strong. The mane of the highly detailed lion head ends just below the pommel. The back strap is faceted and the “D” guard extends from between the lion’s jaws. The grip collar has an integral ring through which the sword knot was threaded. The white shagreen grip is of the highest quality and in excellent condition. The three strands of twisted wire are present and tight. The blade is firm in the hilt.
The gilt brass mounted black leather scabbard is original to the sword and is of the post 1832 pattern with twin suspension rings. The leather is in very good condition for its age. The leather has a crease above the shoe but it has not separated. The stitching is intact except for a couple of centimetres between the locket and second ring band. The gilt brass mounts are in very good condition and retain much of their original finish. The locket bears the cutler’s details, matching those on the forte of the blade. The sword sheaths and draws smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard.
This is a fantastic example of a rare early 1827 pattern Royal Navy officer’s sword dating to between 1832 and 1837.
