Royal Naval Officer's sword

Presentation stirrup hilted sword and scabbard. The hilt consists of a copper gilt stirrup guard deeply cast chased with acanthus leaves, sea shells and in the centre a cartouche containing the Prince of Wales's feathers. The quillon is formed by an ornate conch shell, shield shaped langets filled with crowned fouled anchors. Lion's head pommel, the mane flowing down the rounded backstrap. Black fishskin grip bound with copper wire. Steel blade which is straight with wide fullers lightly etched with stands of arms and foliate patterns. The scabbard is black leather with three ornate copper gilt mounts. The locket is chased with strapwork and scrolls and within a central medallion the embossed bust of the Prince Regent. The central mount has similar chased decoration, the medallion containing a female figure resting on an anchor, the chape with similar decoration. The suspension fittings are in the form of writhing sea-serpents. The back of the locket is engraved 'Dudley, Grand Parade, Portsmouth'.

Possibly a presentation sword from the Prince Regent (later George IV). The use of the Prince of Wales's feathers would suggest a date prior to his succession to the throne in 1820. In addition Dudley was at Grand Parade from 1790-1805 which would date the sword between these dates.

Object Details

ID: ZBA4542
Collection: Weapons
Type: Royal Naval Officer's sword
Display location: Not on display
Creator: Beechey, Richard Brydges; Dudley
Date made: Before 1820
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Parts: Royal Naval Officer's sword
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