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Edged weaponsThe Museum has in its collection over 600 swords dating mostly from the 18th to the 20th century. It includes regulation weapons as well as presentation swords and examples that belonged to famous naval officers. Browse the entire collection or: View by:
About this collectionThe Museum has in its collection over 600 swords dating mostly from the 18th to the 20th century. It includes regulation weapons as well as presentation swords and examples that belonged to famous naval officers. In the 18th century naval officers preferred the hunting sword with its short curved blade. This made an ideal weapon for close hand-to-hand fighting. By the end of the 18th century four types of sword were in use: the small-sword for shore going and ceremonial occasions, the spadroon with the five ball hilt (a military or naval sword with a cut and thrust blade) and lastly a sword with a short curved blade and plain hilt. There were officers who chose their own swords and these can sometimes be identified by an anchor included in the decoration. The Museum has many examples of the above types of swords including small-swords that belonged to Sir William Hamilton (1730-1800), Sir George Cockburn (1772-1853) presented to him by Lord Nelson (1758-1805) and Admirals Collingwood (1750-1810) and Hood (1762-1814). The first reference to regulation naval swords appeared in 1805 and the first regulations for swords appeared in 1825. In 1827, the solid half basket hilted sword was introduced with a crown and anchor badge. The style of crown changed from the Georgian to the Tudor in 1901 and to the St Edward's crown in 1953. This pattern of sword is still is use today. There was no uniform dirk (a dagger worn by midshipmen) until 1856 and before then midshipmen's dirks in the Royal Navy were varied in shape. A large number had very curved blades, which were blued and gilded with a lion's head pommel. There are many presentation swords in the collection. They include swords presented by Lloyds Patriotic Fund, the City of London and private individuals to naval officers who had distinguished themselves in battle. Researchers are welcome to study items but an appointment must be made in advance. Please contact the E-library for further information. Telephone: +44 (0) 20 8312 6516 Related websites |
