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Auction: 25003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 102

(x) An unusual 1827-Pattern Royal Navy Officer's sword with a blade made of iron from the 100-gun H.M.S. Royal George, salvaged in 1840

1827-Pattern Naval Officer's sword, by Dudley, Grand Parade, Portsmouth, the blade very lightly curved with a pipe-back and quill point decorated with Trophies of Arms, a Fouled Anchor and Crown, and bearing the legend etched to one side: 'Made From Iron of the Royal George, sunk 1782, Recovered 1840', gilded brass guard bearing a Crown and Fouled Anchor, lion's head pommel and ray-skin grip bound in copper wire, leather and gilded-brass scabbard, by Dudley, Grand Parade, Portsmouth, with dual rings for wear, overall length 842mm, much loss of gilding to scabbard fittings, otherwise good very fine

The 100-gun H.M.S. Royal George was launched on 18 February 1756 and, at that time, was the largest warship in the world. A veteran of many campaigns, whilst anchored at Spithead on 29 August 1782 she sank at her moorings - intentionally rolled to one side so maintenance could be undertaken on her hull, the roll became unstable and out of control and her sinking resulted in the deaths of over 800 people, making it one of the most deadly maritime disasters in British territorial waters.

Various salvage attempts and recoveries were made between 1782 and 1842, with the wreck structure finally being blown up in 1840 by a team of Royal Engineers led by Colonel Charles Pasley.

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Estimate
£300 to £400

Starting price
£240