Circa 1850 Irish / British Naval Officer's Short Sword / Hanger (sold)

A rare circa 1850's British naval officer's hanger, marked to London & Dublin Cutler, almost certainly for an Irish officer.

This is an acceptable though non-regulation short sword (see similar May & Annis plate 6), the ivory grip pattern implies for colonial service, perhaps the West Indies rather than India though. The only markings on the blade are an etched tablet (early Victorian / Georgian style) with the maker's / cutler's / supplier's name on it "???pin & Co, London & Dublin" (the ??? has been rubbed away). I can only find one cutler ending with "pin & Co" and that was Mappin & Co (1859 to 1862 with that name), though I can not find any reference to a shop / facility in Dublin, so the tablet etching may well prove the sword a bit older, perhaps 1835 to 1840.

The 26 inch curved blade is in very good condition, period sharpened to the forward cutting edge. Firm in the hilt, the ivory hilt is nicely carved with typically colonial style pattern, a small chip loss under the pommel, some hairline cracking as is to be expected. The Leather and gilt metal scabbard is original, a real bonus; mostly good but there is a taped repair near the bottom fitment. The sword sheaths and draws well. A lovely and very rare item indeed, and superb value. Further / full sized pictures available upon request. Please quote sword reference number B73 (562).