1827 Pattern Royal Naval Officer's Sword, William John Yendell (sold)

A good WW2 era Royal Naval officer's sword, scabbard and carry case, the former property of Rear Admiral William John Yendell, Assistant Chief of Naval Staff.

This is the naval officer's sword of William John Yendell, bought by him almost certainly in 1924 / 1925 when he was promoted up from midshipman. WJ Yendell went on to become a Rear Admiral and British Assistant Chief of Naval Staff after World War 2. This sword was almost certainly with him on the Atlantic Fleet battle cruiser HMS Repulse and possibly even when he commanded HMS Shah, an escort carrier during WW2. I bought this fine sword along with his original British Midshipman's Dirk.

It is rare to get a sword with the original officer owner identified, and even rarer for that officer to turn out to be such an important officer.

The sword is aged but in very good condition overall, the all-important blade especially so. The superbly etched 31.5 inch blade has some patina spots, but not many; it is form in the hilt. The hilt retains some gilt and is in overall very good order with the folding section bearing Yendell's name and locking well onto the scabbard's retaining pin. The fishskin grip is a little grimy (could be cleaned), I suspect from being gripped in the hand on numerous occasions. The scabbard is a little worn here and there but good overall and sheathes well. The sword knot aged and frayed. The carry bag is in good order but with some stitching come astray. I would accept £900 for this fine sword which was once owned by a very important senior British naval officer. Further / full sized images upon request. My item reference number is 643.