This British 1827/46 pattern Victorian Royal Navy officer’s sword was made in the last quarter of the 19th Century by George Alfred Pillin. The sword is named to J. M. Gordons, RN.
The 795mm single-edged blade has a flat spine tapering to a 260mm upper false edge. A long single fuller runs below the spine ending in a medial rib down to the spear point.
The blade is etched with a Tudor crown and the Royal Navy fouled anchor motif between arched foliate scrollwork. The obverse of the blade bears the Royal Arms depicting a lion and unicorn rampant and the motto “Dieu et Mon Droit” above the Flowers of the Union. The forte of the obverse of the blade is also etched with the Royal Arms. The blade is clean and bright and in very good condition with some small, isolated spots of pale tarnish.
The ricasso bears the proof disk of George Alfred Pillin. This style of disk was in use between 1887 and 1901, dating the sword to between these dates. The obverse ricasso bears the cutlers details, “Larcom & Veysey, Portsea.” Larcom & Veysey were outfitters who traded between 1882 and 1905 from premises at 52, Queen Street, Portsea.
The solid half-basket hilt is in very good condition. The bowl of the guard bears the Tudor 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 folding section is engraved with the officer’s name, J. M. Gordons. RN.
The mane of the highly detailed lion head pommel extends for only a third of the length of the back strap. The forward half of the back strap has a knurled thumb rest. The short mane and knurled thumb rest are features usually associated with earlier Royal Navy sword hilts. The “D” guard extends from below the lion’s chin. The shagreen grip is of top quality and in great condition with some age related staining. The twisted gilt wire wrap is present and in excellent condition.
The brass mounted black leather scabbard is original to the sword and is in excellent condition with one very small ding on the chape. The sword sheaths and draws smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard and the locking pin engages.
This is a very nice example of a late Victorian Royal Navy officer’s sword. Being named to an officer enables research into their life and naval career.
