Constabulary short swords were standard issue in the mid-19th Century for members of the British police and prison wardens.
The presence of a locking catch dates this hanger to post 1850. Around 1850, the locking catch was added after a number of incidents in which police officers and prison wardens had their swords snatched out of the scabbards and turned against them.
The 605mm broad, curved blade has a flat spine above a long single fuller on both sides. The fuller continues almost to the spear point. The blade is double-edged for the last 185mm. The blade is in excellent condition and has been service sharpened.
The brass guard has a “D” shaped knuckle bow with disk quillon and stepped oval pommel through which the tang is peened. The disk quillon bears the rack number 46. The hilt retains its locking catch which is in good working order.
The contoured wooden grip is wrapped with shagreen. The grip is in very good condition with great use related wear. The blade is firm in the hilt.
The hanger is complete with its black leather scabbard with brass locket and chape. The scabbard is in very good condition with some minor wear to the original finish. The stitching is intact and strong. The sword sheathes and draws smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard.
This is an excellent example of a mid-19th Century Victorian police sword.
