BRITISH GEORGIAN NAVAL OFFICERS SWORD.

A magnificent quality Georgian naval officers sword with curved blade measuring 71cm in length. Excellent blue and gilt to both sides of the blade, one side showing the Royal Coat of Arms with various floriated patterns, to the opposite side again the Georgian crown, the intertwined ‘GR’ floriated patterns, the Coat of Arms being from 1801 to 1816. Standard D shaped hilt with raised foliate patterns. Lion’s head back strap with finely cut lion’s mane. Ivory grip with two cracks to the ivory underneath the lion’s head. Good gilt remaining to the hilt, below the hilt acanthus leaves and foliate langets. The leather to the scabbard is absolutely superb, good gilding to the scabbard fittings remaining. The hanging rings for the carrying straps are cast coiled serpents. The scabbard mounts all finely engraved in foliate with foliate devices and floral motifs. The maker’s name ‘READ, SWORD CUTLER, PORTSMOUTH’ surmounted by the Georgian crown to the rear of the upper scabbard mount. A high quality sword, possibly for a senior naval officer of the Georgian period.

Code: 80708