Ø AN UNIDENTIFIED NAVAL SWORD, THE HILT POSSIBLY CAPTURED DURING THE WAR OF 1812

the 30¼in. curved steel blade with simple etched device of Athena and a Royal cypher, signed J. Bennett, Royal Exchange, the hilt with quillons embossed with right-facing spread eagles, oak leaf and acorn guard, carved ivory grip with silver-plated back contained within silver-mounted leather scabbard with London hallmarks lacking date letter and inscribed “R. Johnston / late / Bland & Foster / Sword Cutler & Belt Maker to his / MAJESTY/ 68 St James's Street / London -- 36½in. (92.5cm.)

This hilt does not appear in May & Annis or Comfort and, to date, it has not been possible to identify the pattern. The date of the blade and scabbard suggest it may have been captured by a British officer during the American War of 1812 who decided to have this exceptionally attractive hilt attached to an English blade and scabbard by Johnston, a high quality cutler in London who produced many naval swords.