In aged condition, an exceptionally rare Russian M1855 St Anne’s Award for Bravery Naval Sword
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Super, super rare. This is an original 1855 model with the straight blade and plain backpiece. Yes, it is damaged. Yes, the St Anne’s badge has gone (they do come available, at a price : e.g here for $1500 USD). But we could not find another M1855 anywhere. Yes, we found the rare (but not as rare) later (curved blade) 1855/1914M, but not many, and they sell for major amounts when they do come onto the market. The only 1855/1914M we found with a sold price was one sold at auction in Helsinki in December 2013 for 8000 Euros plus buyers premium, and ours is the rarer original 1855M!
We are unsure as to the tablet form name on the langet, but believe it may be the original Russian officer recipient’s name; if not, it is a maker’s mark we can find no trace of. One character is illegible, but it appears to read “AISCHALEV”; any help from Russian naval / sword history experts welcome.
The blade is clean of markings except for “Tynemouth Abbey Lodge 2971“, a British Freemasons that existed from 1903 to 1999. This perhaps help identify its previous Russian history. We suspect it was gifted to them (either by the family of a British Crimean War vet or of the Russian naval officer who may have emigrated to Britain) and their name is thereby etched to the blade; it can be removed as the etching is not that deep.
The 32 1/8 inch blade is in good condition and firm in the hilt / grip. The hilt / guard with the Russian inscription “For Bravery” across one bar has damage; it has been compressed and one bar has broken (an old break as there is blue/green tarnish). The grip is sound. The St Anne’s badge from the pommel is missing
You will not find let alone be able to buy another. Grab it now: was £? (too late, now sold). Please quote item reference Y94. Further / full sized images available upon request. Box 1506-117x15x14 (1.364).
