In very good condition, a WW2 era RN named officer’s sword, scabbard, knot, belts & carry bag.
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Engraved ” E.J. LEATHERBY, R.N.” to the folding guard section of the hilt. Edward James ‘Ted’ Leatherby had a number of postings during and after the war; he served aboard the Royal Yacht HMS Britannia, was Commander in Chief of the Home Fleet, worked in the Royal Navy’s Chief of Staff’s office for some time, and as the Naval Attache in the British Embassy in Oslo. This sword undoubtedly would have been worn a lot in those offices. He was awarded an OBE in the 1977 New Year’s Honours. He died April 27th, 2016. His service list was: HMS Britannia, Norfolk, Rodney, Liverpool, RNC Greenwich, Ceres, Rosneath, Resource, Phoenix, CinC The Nore, CinC A&WI, Newfoundland, Fulmar, Jufair, Daedalus, CinC Home Fleet, DofS(N), Devonshire, DIS, RNTS Woolwich, NA Oslo, NDC Latimer, Sec/FONAC, BSO/Dolphin, Silver Jubilee Review Team, DNFCT. The sword blade is etched with the Royal Cypher of King George VI, so dates from 11th December 1936 to 6th February 1952. The belt marked “By Royal Appointment to the Queen” shows it to be later and that his GVI sword itself stayed in service with Ted as convention allows. Blade etched to renowned naval retailer Gieves with their logo (a rare event) to the obverse. Most people would likely consider this sword to be in parade ground condition.
The 31 1/4 inch blade is in very good condition and firm in the grip / hilt. The faux fishskin grip has some small patches of surface whitening loss and a couple of lesser twisted grip wire binding turns are a little wayward, but remains good. Sword knot, a small amount of wear / fraying around the hilt’s knot slit is otherwise good. The gilt brass fittings on black leather scabbard is good; the locking pin mechanism of the hilt / guard works well and locates properly onto the scabbard’s pin. The sword sheathes and draws well. The leather carry bag has a little age but is very good considering. The inner roeskin / chamois bag is very good.
What a great condition and quality ensemble, and for a very distinguished Royal Navy officer. Come in, it is a steal at £700. Please quote item reference ZY34. Further / full sized images available upon request. Box 1684 115x26x23 (3.399)
