1805 pattern Napoleonic Royal Navy sword. The hilt with typical 1805 pattern lion head top of very fine detail and with mercuric gilt plating. Plain knuckle-bow with upper rectangular hole for tieing the portopee. The fine off white ivory grip with nine segments bearing golden wire wrapping. The base of the ivory grip fitting into an unusual and fine ferrule with a Grecian border decoration. The quillion block with langets hand engraved with the naval fouled anchor motifs. The blade with engraved decorative scrolls, post-1801 arms, and crown with 'GR'. The leather buffer pad still in place. The scabbard in dark brown leather, and with three mercuric gilted brass decorative mounts, the upper two with suspension rings.

Condition report: The hilt with much mercuric gilt finish remaining, particularly the lion head with approximately 98% gilt remaining. The ivory grip with one upper chip by the base of the lion head, and one lower chip by the ferrule. The blade in a bright grey state, but free from any bad pitting or damages. The original engraving work still present and easily visible. The gilt finishing to the engraving now lost, apart from the hilt end under the langets. The scabbard leather having survived in a particualarly good state, free from any distressing, and still retaining its shape with the blade out. The scabbard mounts having lost much of the mercuric gilt finish, although present where the langets protect the upper mount, and at the recessed parts of the base mount.

Provenance: A letter from the previous owner states that the sword was acquired from an antiques shop in Evesham during the 1970s.