Sword

Dutch Sword. The hilt consists of a pierced brass half-basket with a design of a foul anchor surmounted by a crown. The flattened pommel has a design of a scallop shell, crossed flags, acorns and oak leaves. There is a ring on ferrule for attaching sword knot. The ivory grip is grooved for binding wires, which are missing. The slightly curved round back blade has a 254mm false edge. It is engraved on the obverse with strap work, a crown over foul anchor, and foliage On the reverse there is strap work across which is engraved 'X.Bisch, a Boersch. Klingenthal'. Also engraved on the reverse are crossed flags and guns, and foliage. The scabbard is black leather, with two brass lockets with rings, the chape being missing. These are ornamented with lines and have a 'rope' edge. The top locket has a frog button and a design in relief consisting of a crown and foul anchor superimposed on crossed flags.

This pattern of sword was introduced in France in 1837. (In 1841 the blade was changed to one with a flat back. During the 2nd Republic of 1848-52 the crown was presumably removed from the hilt, to be replaced in a more elongated form during the 2nd Empire of 1852-70. Thereafter it disappeared for good, see WPN 1191).

Object Details

ID: WPN1253
Collection: Weapons
Type: Sword
Display location: Not on display
Creator: Bisch, X.
Places: Klingenthal
Date made: circa 1843
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London, Royal United Service Institution Collection
Measurements: Overall: 711 x 25 mm
Parts: Sword