British, 1847 Pattern Naval Officer’s Sword and Scabbard, by Manton & Co.

*British, 1847 Pattern Naval Officer’s Sword and Scabbard, by Manton & Co.*

A mid-Victorian 1847 Pattern Royal Navy Officer’s sword, overall length approx. 95.6 cm, with 80 cm pipe-back, single-fullered blade. The blade retains etched decoration including crowned fouled anchor, crowned Royal Arms with motto Dieu et Mon Droit, oak leaf and acorn panels, rays of glory, and floral scrollwork. Retailer’s panel etched MANTON & Co., ENGLAND beneath By Warrant. Proof disc set in a six-pointed star motif, with gilt copper slug stamped F.M.
The regulation half-basket gilt-bronzed guard bears the crowned fouled anchor in relief, folding inner flap present. Lion-head pommel with backstrap and integral mane, grip bound in fishskin with copper wire. Contained in its original matching black leather scabbard with gilt brass mounts, including frog studs and engraved chape.

Historical Note:
The 1847 Pattern replaced the 1827 Pattern, retaining the lion-head pommel and crowned fouled anchor cartouche, but doing away with the folding inner flap. It became the standard naval officer’s sword of the Victorian period, remaining in service (with minor evolutions) through to the 1880s before later modifications of the regulation design.

Manton & Co. (London/Calcutta) originated with the famed London gunsmith Joseph Manton, whose firm became bankrupt in the late 1820s. A branch in Calcutta, likely founded by his son Frederick, emerged around the same time as an importer and retailer—supplying sporting guns, military swords, and rifles to British officers in India. They did not manufacture weapons, but ordered them from Birmingham and German makers. Blades were often etched with their name and retailed as “Manton & Co.”. The “By Warrant” etch reflects their appointment as royal warrant holders while the “F.M.” proof slug points to actual blade production by Francis Mole of Birmingham.

*Condition*
Blade retains excellent clear etching detail, with light age staining and speckled patina. Proof disc intact. Guard and lion-head pommel with even bronzed finish and mild wear. Grip fishskin and wire binding present with age toning. Scabbard leather showing dryness and surface flaking, but gilt mounts all present and secure. Overall, an honest and untouched example in collectable condition. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

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