*British, WW1-WW2, 1827 Pattern Royal Navy Officer’s Sword & Scabbard — Named to Paymaster Commander P. J. Hiland, R.N., Retailed by Gieve, Matthews & Seagrove Ltd., Portsmouth, London & Devonport*
A fine and complete example of the Regulation 1827 Pattern Royal Navy Officer’s Sword, retaining its matching scabbard and sword knot. The gilt-brass half-basket hilt bears the King’s Crown above the fouled anchor of the Royal Navy amid scrolling laurel sprays, with lion’s-head pommel and foliate backstrap. The presence of the King’s Crown (as opposed to the later Queen’s Crown) dates the sword firmly to the reign of George V or George VI (c. 1910–1952), aligning closely with Paymaster Commander P. J. Hiland’s active service career from his entry into the Royal Navy in 1912 through to his World War II service aboard H.M.S. Argus, indicating the sword was likely acquired and carried during this period.
The grip is covered in white shagreen and bound with three gilt-wire strands, all tight and intact. The folding guard operates smoothly and retains a mellow gilt finish with areas of light verdigris to recesses. The original gold-and-navy woven sword knot remains in place. The straight single-fullered blade measures approximately 79.5 cm (31¼ in.), overall length 94 cm (37 in.), and is finely etched on both sides with oak-leaf and acanthus scrolls, naval trophies, and the crowned fouled anchor beneath rays of glory. The reverse face bears the Royal Arms with lion and unicorn supporters above the motto “Dieu et mon droit.” Etched on the ricasso is the retailer’s panel: "GIEVE, MATTHEWS & SEAGROVE LTD. PORTSMOUTH LONDON". A circular proof disc within a six-pointed star cartouche is inset at the forte.
The matching black leather scabbard has gilt-brass mounts engraved with naval ornament. The upper mount carries the retailer’s shield-shaped panel: "GIEVE, MATTHEWS & SEAGROVE LTD. PORTSMOUTH LONDON DEVONPORT" and is neatly engraved beneath “P. J. HILAND.”
Historical Note:
Gieve, Matthews & Seagrove Ltd. were leading naval outfitters established in 1908, later merging into Gieves Ltd. (now Gieves & Hawkes). The firm supplied uniforms and swords to generations of Royal Navy officers through both World Wars.
The sword is named to Percy John Hiland, born 8 May 1895, who entered the Royal Navy Paymaster Branch in 1912 and served through both World Wars. Rising to Paymaster Commander, he served aboard the aircraft carrier H.M.S. Argus during the Second World War, was Mentioned in Despatches, and appeared in the New Year Honours List of 1944 (London Gazette, 1 Jan 1944). He received the 1914–15 Star, British War Medal, and Victory Medal, and was placed on the Retired List with seniority from 31 December 1933.
*Condition*
Blade retains crisp and legible etching throughout with minor grey patination and light staining consistent with age. Proof disc intact and undisturbed. Hilt with even gilt wear, light verdigris to recesses. Grip rayskin complete and firm, wire binding secure. Scabbard leather supple with expected surface rubbing; mounts of matching tone. Sword knot original and complete. Overall, a very honest and well-preserved example, identifiable to a long-serving and decorated Royal Navy officer. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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