Code: 11632
A good 1827 Pattern Victorian Royal Naval Officers Sword.
The 31.5 inch single fullered blade etched retailers marking and proof slug to either ricasso, with a crowned fouled anchor, royal arms acorns and floral ropework. Good bright condition with some minor dark staining, which could be improved with a polish.
Regulation gilt brass hilt with a handsome lions head pommel, and lions mane backstrap. The white rayskin grip is all complete and in very good order, bound with brass twistwire. The hilt retains its original bullion sword knot.
The folding guard is present and functioning crisply, with no slackness and plenty of snap.
Housed in its black leather scabbard with gilt brass mounts, amd two suspension rings. The top with retaining pin to lock the sword into the scabbard when the folding guard is down. This is slightly out of alignment, and needs to be readjusted for the guard to click into place.
The scabbard throat with the makers cartouche "Galt, Gieve & Co Naval Outfitters Portsmouth". They operated with the "& Co" between 1859 and 1880 and ran the business from 111 High Street Portsmouth. From 1881 to 1886 they were plain Galt & Gieve at the same address. James Gieve and Sons stayed in business in Portsmouth until 1903. It would seem they retained and used up thier stock of older scabbard mounts!!
Gieves are known to have sought there better quality fighting blades from Messrs Wilkinson of Pall Mall.
The folding guard is engraved "C.D.RICHARDSON. RN".
Charles Dene Richardson was born on 26 August 1879. He joined the Navy from H.M.S. Britannia in July 1896.
He was appointed Assistant Surveyor in June 1901 and was commended for his surveying work on the West coast of Africa. He was promoted to Lieutenant-Commander in August 1913 and was at Devonport Dockyard throughout the Great War, as assistant to the Captain of the Dockyard and to the King’s Harbour Master.
He was awarded an O.B.E. (London Gazette 16 September 1919) The recommendation states: ‘As Mooring Officer, Lieut.-Cdr. Richardson has rendered great and valuable services in salvage work, which was very frequent in the early part of 1917, and had to be undertaken almost entirely by the Dockyard.’
He was then appointed Divisional Inspecting Officer (Coast Guard) of Cornwall, 1921-23, he returned to Devonport until August 1924, when he retired with the rank of Commander. He was recalled to Devonport Dockyard, as Transport Officer, in August 1939, and was placed on the retired list in November 1944.
Commander Richardson was awarded The Order of the British Empire, the East and West Africa medal with clasp "Benin 1897" (serving as a Midshipman aboard H.M.S. Theseus) the Queen’s South Africa medal 1899-1902, (serving as a Midshipman aboard H.M.S. Niobe) and the British War Medal 1914/18. His medals were sold at auction in 2001.
Commander Richardson died on 5 April 1952.
Strictly over 18's only. Photo ID will be required before this item can be dispatched.
