1805 Pattern British Senior Officer's Pipeback Naval Sword (sold)

A senior British Royal Navy officer's sword datable from 1824 to 1827.

A very scarce pipe-backed 1805 pattern Royal naval officer's sword with scabbard; this sword is well built and clearly was intended to be used if necessary. Marked to Fiske (late Read) Portsmouth, this means the sword was made between 1824 and 1827. With the ivory grip, the original owner would have been a senior officer.

The impressive 32 1/4 inch blade with unusual ricasso is showing the signs of age, with some rust pitting. The blade is firm in the hilt. The ivory grip has a couple of small chips missing and minor cracking. The twisted grip wire bindings are good but some small strands are a little astray. The leather scabbard is well aged and the leather broken in two half way along, plus other areas are creased. The mounts are all present though the suspension rings and frog button are missing. Nonetheless, this is a rare, evocative and satisfying sword.

Further / large images available upon request. Our item reference number 638 (265).