Edwardian-Era British Royal Naval Reserve 1846 Pattern Navy Officer’s Sword – Marked “London Made”

British Royal Naval Reserve officer’s sword, following the 1846 pattern and featuring a Victorian-era hand guard with an etched Royal Naval Reserve (RNR)/Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve (RNVR) emblem beneath the King’s Crown. The Royal Naval Reserve, established in 1859, and the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve (RNVR), created in 1903, were established to provide trained civilian seafarers who could supplement the Royal Navy during periods of mobilisation. Its officers carried distinctive naval swords incorporating the fouled anchor and RNR designation to identify their service.

The sword features a curved naval officer’s blade with etched decoration, including the “J. Langdon & Sons” trademark (a prominent Liverpool-based manufacturing and tailoring firm) and the RNR emblem, together with a protective hand guard bearing the associated naval insignia. The grip and hilt follow the traditional British naval officer’s sword form, reflecting the established uniform regulations of the Royal Navy and Royal Naval Reserve. The King’s Crown, along with the Queen Victoria crown on the hilt, indicates a pattern associated with the reign of King Edward VII, although the precise date of manufacture is difficult to say. The scabbard-to-hilt locking pin is a notable feature, designed to secure the sword within its scabbard. This example is of interest to collectors of British naval swords, Royal Naval Reserve memorabilia and Edwardian military edged weapons.

Dimensions

Overall length (sword): approx. 37.5 inches (950mm)

Blade length: approx. 31.5 inches (800mm)

Blade width at ricasso: approx. 1 inch (25mm)

Overall length (in scabbard): approx. 38 inches (960mm)

Condition

Excellent overall condition, with little notable age-related wear. The blade and its etching retain clear detail with no signs of rust. The gilt hilt and grip show expected wear from handling. The scabbard remains intact but with a notable crease towards the bottom of the scabbard and expected wear to the leather and brass finish. No major damage or repairs are evident. Please refer to the photographs for details of the blade, etched insignia, hand guard, grip, scabbard and locking pin.