United Kingdom. A First War Royal Navy Officer's Sword, by J.R.Gaunt

Sword incorporates a magnetic steel blade, with a dull edge and having a dull tip, with the fuller running over half the length of the sword on both sides, numbered "16795" on the flat spine. The obverse is etched with the Royal coat-of-arms of the United Kingdom interlaced with rope strands and knots, along with oak leaves and acorns, while the reverse is etched with the Royal crown surmounting a fouled anchor interlaced with rope along with oak leaves and acorns. The obverse ricasso incorporates an etched Damascus six-pointed star, with circles placed between each of the star points, plus an inset brass disk inscribed "PROVED" placed in the centre of the star. The reverse ricasso is etched with the maker mark "J.R. GAUNT & SON LIMITED / LATE EDWARD THURKLE LONDON & BIRMINGHAM". The blade exhibits moderate surface wear and spotting, measuring 795 mm in length, without a washer at its base and is firm in the hilt. The handle and crossguard are in bronze gilt, illustrating the Royal crown surmounting a fouled anchor flanked by swirls on either side, with a functional fold down guard, along with holes in the crossguard and handle for the missing cord and portepee. The grip is in a white fishskin synthetic pebbled material and wrapped in seven rows of rolled copper wire, all of which is intact. The pommel features the head of a lion and is finished with a ball finial, the sword measuring 940 mm in length. The accompanying scabbard with a black leather wrapped body, bronze gilt chape, central band and locket, incorporating various designs of swirls, rules and leafing. The chape is finished in a snub-nosed style, while the central band and the locket each have a single suspension ring affixed, the scabbard measuring 805 mm in length and exhibiting wear spots on the leather body, along with light contact on the bronze gilt fixtures. Very fine.