Victorian British Royal Navy Artillery Volunteers Officer's Sword, Sold

In very good overall condition, a rare Victorian British Royal Navy Artillery Volunteers Officer's Sword.

These RNAV swords are so rare, and this one with an expensive and prestigious claymore blade indicating it was owned by a senior or very well connected officer. The Royal Naval Artillery Volunteers only existed for a short time between 1874 and 1892 and were, to many, a replacement for the Royal Naval Coast Volunteers. The RNAV were only involved in coastal defense, of course with artillery.

The 31 3/4 inch blade is in good condition, some patina spots but not too big or many, the etching still very clear (claymore blades are notorious for their etching fading faster than standard fullered blades) and firm in the hilt. The hilt very good, reasonable gilt remaining. The fishskin grip and associated twisted grip wire bindings are both very good for the age. The original sword remains are, well, a bonus. The leather and metal fitting scabbard is above average; the sword sheathes and draws well. The folding guard section is quite nice and unique in that it has a locking pin hole, but the hole does not go all the way through the folding guard section. That locking pin hole locates well onto the corresponding retention pin on the top locket of the scabbard. Blade ricasso etched to retailer "G Lake" of "Stonehouse Plymouth".

This is a lovely quality sword and about as rare as they get RN wise; your fellow collector contacts are very unlikely to have one. Yours, a great piece of history, for £? (too late, now sold). Please quote item reference AB32 (0090). Further / full sized images available upon request.