In VGC, the WW1 RN Sword of Lt Cdr A Marsden of HMS Ardent of Battle of Jutland fame
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Includes sword, knot, scabbard, belts and letter of provenance / authenticity
Royal Naval officer Arthur Marsden was the commanding officer of HMS Ardent which attacked and was destroyed by the German Dreadnought Battleship SMS Westfalen with the loss of all lives except for Marsden and one rating; clearly, this, his sword, was not en board the HMS Ardent on the 1st June 1916 when it was sunk. Arthur Marsden survived the war and went on to be a Conservative party politician / Member of Parliament.
You can read about him and HMS Ardent here, here and here.
Sword etcheed at blade’s ricasso / forte to quality RN outfitters “Gieves, Portsmouth, London, Edinburgh & Devonport”
The 31 3/8 inch blade is well etched and in very good condition, plus firm in the hilt. The brass hilt / guard is very good and retains much original gilt; the folding guard section works well and locates onto the scabbard’s securing pin. The fishskin grip in VGC, a little grubby perhaps between the nodules; the twisted grip wire bindings are present and correct. The sword knot with some age / wear is sound. Leather and brass scabbard with some age and wear is nonetheless good. The leather and brass fittings belts are worn but good.
A really great ensemble with full provenance; the sword is in well above average condition too! Well worth was £? (too late, now sold). Please quote item reference AI28. Further / full sized images available upon request. Box 1967Â 98 x 16 x 15 (2.256).
