Royal Navy WW1 Warrant Officer's Presentation Sword
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About this item
A scarce George V Royal Navy Warrant Officer's Presentation Sword.
These swords are much harder to find than the officers version, and I can't recall having ever seen a presentation example before.
The presentation inscription skillfully engraved to the inside of the bronze bowl guard. It reads:
"Presented to Mr W.C. Stafford By Ch 1st, 2nd, 3rd 4th & 5th Class Electrical Artificers and Watermen. H.M.S. Defiance 30th June 1917."
The guard of regulation gothic form, bronze with a gilt wash, bearing the crowned anchor within a cartouche. The domed pommel and reeded backstrap in place of the lionshead version found on the officers example. The folding guard complete and in good functioning order. The grip of shagreen bound with copper twistwire is also complete and in good order. The hilt retains its original bullion sword knot, in frayed condition. A reasonable amount of the original gilt wash remaining, and a few scattered droplets of old white emulsion!
The 32 inch single fullered blade marked at the ricasso "J.R. Gaunt & Son Limited Late Edward Thurkle London & Birmingham" with a "T" proof slug to the other, presumably still in use by Gaunt after thier take over of Thurkles business circa 1898.
The blade decorated with ropework, oak leaves, and foliate etching, vacant panels, the Royal Coat of Arms, and the crowned Fouled anchor of the Royal Navy. The blade is generally bright with some areas of staining, and pitting, particuarly at the ricasso/makers mark. This almost certainly caused by salt corrosion, the natrual enemy of the RN sword blade.
Housed in its black leather scabbard with gilt brass mounts, and two suspension rings. Some slight movement in the mounts, but no shrinkage. The top with retaining pin to lock the sword into the scabbard when the folding guard is down.
Overall a good untouched sword with research potential, which would improve with some gentle cleaning.
Strictly over 18's only. Photo ID will be required before this item can be dispatched.
Additional Information
Hampshire, United Kingdom
