Code: 12182
A very good Victorian 1827 Pattern Royal Navy Officers Sword.
The brass 1827 pattern Royal Naval Officers hilt with attractive lions head pommel, chequered thumb rest and crowned fouled anchor within a cartouch. The white ray skin grip is all complete, as is the twistwire binding. The hilt retains it's folding guard, which still has plenty of "snap". When folded with scabbard mounted, it locks the sword into the scabbard. The sword retains its original and correct bullion sword knot.
Named on the folding guard in engraved, flowing script: "T.E.J. BIGG R.N."
The sword of Captain Theodore Evelyn Johnstone Bigg (1878-1965)
This sword retains an excellent 31.5 inch etched blade, displaying the Royal Coat of Arms, the fouled anchor, acorns, and the usual floral swags with roped border.
This sword was retailed by Gieves, the scabbard's top mount carrying an attractive shield for Galt, Gieve and Co, whilst the blade is marked "J. Gieve&Sons, High St, Portsmouth."
The proof slug contains a letter "P" which would likely indicate this sword was made by Pillin, of London. We can likely date the sword to Bigg's promotion to acting Sub-Lieutenant on the 15th October 1898.
The scabbard is the regulation black leather with gilt mounted brass mounts. It is in solid condition, with some light scuffing and loss to the leather finish, which would benefit from a proper polish. The top and centre mounts are loose, and would benefit from being reaffixed.
A very brief look at Captain Bigg's career reveals the following details:
He enrolled in the Royal Navy in 1893, achieving the rank of Midshipman in 1895, Sub Lt in 1898, and Lieutenant on 1st April 1901.
During the 1st World War, he served as a commander, serving aboard various vessels, and took part in the Battle of Jutland, in command of HMS Badger, an acheron class destroyer. They rescued survivors of HMS Invincible.
He was awarded French Croix de Chevalier, recorded in the London Gazette of 15th September 1916. He was promoted to Captain on 30th Jun 1918, and was placed on the retired list on 16th August 1922.
His career needs much more research, and his service record is available at the National Archives HERE.
All in all a good honest example, which has been well polished during its service life, as one would expect, which has resulted in some loss of definition to the hilt, and scabbard mounts. The blade is well etched, with a layer of old grease, light rust and grime. The sword will display well as is, or could be improved with some gentle cleaning and attention.
Strictly over 18's only. Photo ID will be required before this item can be dispatched. Please send this at the time of ordering, to prevent unnecessary delay in your order being dispatched.
