*British, George V, 1827 Pattern Royal Navy Officer’s Sword, Parade Quality, with Scabbard, Knot & Leather Field Equipment*
Overall length: approx. 94.5 cm. Blade length: approx. 80 cm
A superb George V period 1827 Pattern Royal Navy Officer’s Sword, retaining its original brass-mounted black-lacquered scabbard, bullion sword knot and both long leather field scabbard sleeves. This example is unusually complete and of parade-grade quality. The regulation gilt brass hilt displays the crowned fouled anchor within the characteristic 1827 Pattern half-basket guard, the fire-gilding remaining deep and bright. The lion-head pommel is well-detailed and retains its faceted crystal or stone eyes. The white fish-skin grip is exceptionally clean and tightly bound with gilt brass wire, and the sword is fitted with its correct period gold-and-navy bullion knot.
The 80 cm nickel-plated blade is bright and crisp, etched with scrolling foliage, the crowned fouled anchor, and the George V royal cypher “GvR.” The retailer’s panel is neatly executed and reads “H. BENNETT / 15 ARUNDEL ST / LANDPORT”, identifying a Portsmouth outfitter known to have supplied Royal Navy officers during the late Victorian, Edwardian and interwar years. Near the ricasso on both sides appears the traditional six-point star motif surrounding a brass proof slug marked “PROVED”, and the spine carries the assembly number “822.” The scabbard is the standard black-lacquered steel type with gilt brass mounts, all in unusually fine condition with strong lacquer and bright metal.
Accompanying the sword are two original field coverings: a brown leather scabbard sleeve with chape cover that is now extremely worn, split open along the side and detached in several places so that it remains attached only by one section, and a buff suede protector, also of period manufacture. Although the leather sleeve is in poor condition, the survival of both covers remains uncommon and significantly enhances the completeness and historical appeal of the set.
Historical Note:
The 1827 Pattern replaced the 1805 design and has remained the defining sword of the Royal Navy officer for nearly two centuries, largely unchanged in form, with the royal cypher serving as a primary dating feature; the GRV cypher confirms production during the reign of George V prior to 1936. Naval officers stationed at or passing through Portsmouth frequently obtained their swords and equipment from local outfitters, and H. Bennett of Landport is a known supplier of officer-quality swords, belts and uniforms. Officers often purchased both parade scabbards and additional protective leather coverings for travelling, boat service and general shipboard use, making a fully surviving set such as this particularly desirable.
*Condition*
The sword itself remains in excellent original condition. The gilt brass hilt retains a strong, bright finish with only minor age-softening to the fire-gilded surfaces. The lion-head pommel is sharp and well defined, and the white fish-skin grip is clean, firm and tightly bound with its original gilt wire. The blade is particularly fine, presenting a bright nickel-plated surface with crisp etching, clear motifs and no significant pitting or staining. The etched panels, proof star and “PROVED” slug are sharp and well preserved, and the retailer’s panel remains completely legible. The scabbard is straight, with a very good period black lacquer finish and bright, undamaged brass mounts. The bullion sword knot is original to the sword and shows only light, expected fraying consistent with careful use and age.
The two field covers show more substantial wear. The buff suede protector is intact with light surface marks but remains serviceable. The brown leather scabbard sleeve, is in heavily worn condition: it is split open along one side and at the end, with the leather detached in multiple areas so that it now remains held together only by a single surviving section. Despite its distressed state, the sleeve is unquestionably original and provides valuable context, illustrating the sword’s service life. Overall, the sword and scabbard remain in excellent condition, while the accessories show honest age that adds to the completeness and character of the set. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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