EL6844 - A scarce Victorian Patent Solid Hilt Royal Navy officer's sword, retailed by Galt, Gieve & Co of Portsmouth, and probably made by Reeves of Birmingham, around the time of the Crimean War. Galt, Gieve & Co were trading under that name from 1852 to 1880, but due to the etching and form, I believe this to date to the earliest end of that range. The proof disc and etching is associated with Charles Reeves, who created and owned the patent for the solid hilt design, which was taken over by Wilkinson after he went bankrupt and was used by them under licence before that. The full width tang is clearly apparent at the front of the grip, and the grip plates are of ray skin covered wood. The service sharpened blade, with some wear and rubbing to the etching, in generally good condition. The sharpening is quite thorough and presumably indicates this was taken on active service in the 1850s-70s (Crimea? India? China?). The guard has slight deformation to the knucklebow, and the folding drop section works perfectly and locks the sword into the scabbard via the pin and hole arrangement. Everything is solid and tight, and the leather washer is still in place. The scabbard leather is rather dry and fragile, but it is intact and complete. A rare sword.
