Late 19th Century Royal Navy Warrant Officer’s Lionhead Sword
This is a handsome sword that measures 37" overall, with a 31" curved, single-edged blade having wide single fullers. The steel has a bright patina with some spots of dark freckling towards the tip, as well as a few tiny spots of oxidation along the back edge. The ricasso is not marked, and has a small amount of pitting on the reverse side. The brass hilt has a folding counterguard with crown and anchor motif, white shagreen grip with intact wire wrap, and a lionhead pommel with exposed capstan. The brass has a dull ochre patina, while the shagreen exhibits light wear and has darkened over time. The sword is housed in the original leather and brass scabbard which has a brass throat with locking stud, slightly dented middle band, and a dented chape with shallow drag. The leather is dried but still in very good condition, however the middle band is quite loose and slides freely along the scabbard body. This is a very nice sword, and is in about very good condition.