Scarce British P1827, Royal Navy officer’s broadsword, circa 1870.
The 785mm double-edged (broadsword) blade has narrow twin fullers on both sides with a spear point. The edges have been sharpened for action.
The blade is etched with a crown and the Royal Navy fouled anchor motif between floral scrollwork. The obverse of the blade bears the Royal coat of arms amidst floral scrollwork. The blade is clean and bright with small patches of mild grey tarnish. The blade is in good condition for its age and service.
The ricasso bears a brass proof slug that is associated with George Alfred Pillin. The obverse ricasso bore the name of the cutler, Fraser & Davis of Portsmouth. The cutlers’ details are polished out, but are clearly readable on the scabbard. The blade is firm in the hilt.
The solid 1827 pattern, half-basket hilt is made of gilded brass and remains in excellent 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 forms the back strap and the “D” guard extends from the lion’s mouth, dating the sword to the latter half of the 19th Century. The guard is complete with its original Victorian Royal Navy gold and blue bullion knot. The sword knot is in worn condition.
The ray skin grip is of the highest quality and in very good condition. The twisted copper wire wrap is present and correct.
The brass mounted black leather scabbard is original to the sword and is in fair condition. The stitching is intact and tight and the brass mounts retain their original gilding and are firmly in place. The throat of the scabbard bears a shield, within which is the outfitters/cutlers’ name, “Fraser & Davis, Outfitters, Portsmouth,” below a crown. Fraser & Davis, naval outfitters traded from 78/79 High Street, Portsmouth from 1863 until 1890. The leather of the scabbard has scuffs and wear commensurate with its age and there are a couple of creases/fragile areas caused by the scabbard being bent when empty. The sword sheaths and draws well and is held firmly within the scabbard by the locking pin.
This is a nice example of a hard to find Royal Navy 1827 pattern hilt with a broadsword blade.
