This non-regulation midshipman’s fighting sword was made between 1796 and 1805. In 1805, the Royal Navy adopted its first regulation pattern sword, with a straight, single edged blade, requiring all officers and midshipmen to adhere to the new regulation.
This sword was in service for the Napoleonic Wars and Britain’s most famous naval battle – the Battle of Trafalgar, which took place on the 21st October 1805.
The 615mm very curved blade has a broad shallow fuller beneath a flat spine. The 6mm thick spine tapers to a double edge for the final 150mm of the blade, before terminating in a hatchet point. The blade is service sharpened and retains its fighting edges.
The 32mm wide blade is in fair to good condition for its 200 plus years of age and naval service. There is an all-over pale, mottled patina and areas of shallow pitting. The blade remains strong and is firm in the hilt.
The steel hilt is 115mm in length from the front of the crosspiece to the back of the pommel. The black leather wrapped grip is 90mm long. The leather is in good condition and the single strand of twisted brass wire is intact and tight. The right-hand shield shaped languet has been professionally removed, suggesting that this sabre was the property of a left-handed midshipman. When sheathed, the right-hand side of the hilt would have been against the junior officer's waist. Languets were often removed from swords to prevent catching and wear to an officer’s uniform. The steel of the guard has a pleasant pale grey patina and is in overall good condition. The blade is firm in the hilt.
This is a very rare and fine example of a Georgian midshipman’s fighting sword from the Napoleonic Wars, in which the Royal Navy played a pivotal role.
