*British, George V, 1827 Pattern Royal Navy Officer’s Sword – Slim-Blade Special Order with Scabbard & Original Wilkinson, Pall Mall Leather Case*
An exceptional, likely special-order example of the regulation 1827 Pattern Royal Navy Officer’s sword, retailed by Wilkinson of Pall Mall, London, and preserved in outstanding original condition with its matching Wilkinson-marked carry case.
The gilt-brass half-basket guard bears the crowned fouled anchor of the Royal Navy within a rococo scroll cartouche, retaining much of its original gilding. The back-strap terminates in a lion’s-head pommel surmounted by a crown — a feature reserved for Wilkinson’s Best Grade and bespoke commissions. The grip is of white fish-skin bound with three gilt copper twist wires, all original, tight, and unblemished. The folding inner guard functions smoothly.
The blade follows the elegant, narrow-profile “light pattern” of the Edwardian–George V era, favoured by senior officers for its refined balance and appearance when worn with full dress uniform. The bright nickel-plated blade retains an excellent mirror finish and is richly etched over both sides with foliate scrolls, trophies, and heraldic devices. The principal panel appears to display a rayed lion crest rising above a shield charged with the Cross of St George, flanked by winged griffin/lion supporters, the whole composition framed by radiating sunbursts and floral ornament. The reverse features the Cross of St George flanked by rayed griffin wings and claws. The design could allude to the City of London arms combined with the British Lion motif, celebrating imperial and metropolitan pride in the Edwardian–George V era. No maker’s panel or proof slug is present, consistent with Wilkinson’s un-personalised special-order stock, the sword having been made to their specification by one of their London trade cutlers for retail through the Pall Mall showroom.
The sword is complete with its black leather scabbard fitted with three gilt-brass mounts chased with acanthus ornament, the drag numbered “17.” Accompanied by its original tan leather carry case with chamois lining, embossed internally “WILKINSON PALL MALL LONDON” and externally “N.B.C.”, perfectly fitted to the sword and confirming Wilkinson’s high-grade retail provenance.
Measurements: Blade – 80.3 cm (31½ in.). Width at ricasso – 1.7 cm. Overall – 95 cm (37½ in.).
Historical Note:
Introduced in 1827 under George IV, the Royal Navy officer’s sword has remained in continuous use ever since. By the reign of King George V (1910–1936), Wilkinson Sword Co. had become the foremost naval outfitter, retailing both their own production and premium special-order examples from select London and Birmingham cutlers.
This sword, with its crowned lion pommel, refined slim blade, and distinctive heraldic etching, represents the Best-Grade ceremonial specification supplied through Wilkinson’s Pall Mall showroom between about 1910 and 1925. The unusual rayed-lion and griffin-wing design merges royal, civic, and naval symbolism — a proud fusion of the British Lion and the City of London arms — reflecting the prestige of bespoke naval commissions at the height of Britain’s imperial era.
*Condition*
Exceptional condition throughout. Blade near-mint with deep, clear etching and brilliant polish. Hilt retains bright gilding with light patination; folding guard operates correctly. Grip tight, fish-skin and wire complete. Scabbard leather firm and true with only minor surface wear; mounts toned with traces of verdigris. Carry case sound and complete with crisp Wilkinson and “N.B.C.” markings. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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