Circa 1800 British Royal Navy Junior Officer's Short Sword/Sabre, Sold

In good condition, a super rare circa 1800 British Royal Navy junior officer's short sword / sabre.

From the era just before RN sword patterns were mandated, circa 1800, this is a short sword / dirk with a 1796P type sabre blade. The black fishskin grip with plain rounded pommel show this sword was for a junior officer, probably a lieutenant, which fits in with the almost dirk overall size.

The 21 1/8 inch blade has the remnants of its once fine etching remaining and has a few old small nicks to the cutting edge. Blade firm in grip but the hilt wobbles a little, the hilt very good with gilt remaining. The fishskin grip generally very good, some small loss to an edge, the grip wires good as well. The leather and brass fittings scabbard sound, some losses to the surface layer of the leather. The sword sheathes and draws well but for a few mm when fully sheathed due to the leather shrinkage.

A rare sword indeed. Grab it quick; £? (too late, now sold). Please quote item reference AE10 (0665). Further / full sized pictures available upon request.