Code: 11773
A very good William IV 1827 Pattern Royal Naval Officers sword.
The hilt, of solid regulation form with full functioning folding guard with plenty of snap. Gothic decoration and cartouche with crowned, fouled anchor. Plain, faceted backstrap with finely executed lions head pommel. The white ray skin grip bound with copper twistwire is in excellent condtion, although the ring at the ferrule has been broken off/removed.
The 31.5 inch pipebacked blade retailed by "Salter, Sword Cutler No 73 Strand, London"
John Salter, (1776-1834) Worked as a Jeweller, Silversmith & Sword Cutler, and is known to have supplied swords to Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson.
Interestingly, the top mount of the scabbard bears the makers plaque "Widdowson&Veale, late Salter, Goldsmith's&Sword Cutlers 73 Strand, London".
John Salter moved to number 73 The Strand in 1824, and Widdowson&Veale kept premises here until 1909.
So it would seem likely that this sword, or at least it's blade was produced and in stock before Salters death in 1834, and was then made up and sold once the partnership of Widdowson&Veale (Widdowson being Salters nephew) commenced in 1835.
The pipe back blade is decorated with crowned fouled anchor, lion and royal coat of arms, as well as swirls of foliate decoration. the makers details to both ricasso's, and the word "Warranted" within a banner to both sides of the blade. The etching is all still legible.
Some small areas of dark staining and stabalised corrosion, but in the main the blade is bright and clean.
Housed in it's original gilt mounted leather scabbard with twin hanging rings. It seems likely the scabbard has been repaired over the years, some of the leather is beginning to look fragile, but it is holding firm, and is an excellent fit. There is a small hole in the base of the drag.
The overall condition is very good indeed, having never previously been in a collection. it would be difficult to upgrade.
Strictly over 18's only. Photo ID will be required before this item can be dispatched.
