Description
Physical description
(scabbard and sword knot)
whole description : VARIANT & (SEE) WEA /1082
pommel form : lion's head with prominent tang button. The lion's mane extends the length of the backstrap
grip form : coarse-textured white fishskin bound by seven triple strands of gilt wire
guard form : small solid half-basket guard. The larger outer guard is adorned with striated bars on a roughened ground and an oval cartouche enclosing a crown and foul anchor. The guard is slotted above blade back to accommodate the scabbard retaining catch and a small scroll finial curves towards blade. Two circular apertures are provided in lower guard for sword knot
blade form : faintly curved single-edged blade in plated steel with double- edged spear point [long false edge]. A single fuller is formed on each side, running from ricasso to within 235 mm of point
blade (left flat) finish : etched decoration comprising a rayed crown with foul anchor and a crowned coat of arms above the initials "L.B.". These two principal motifs are enclosed within a decorative panel formed by ornate ropework and branches of oakleaves and acorns
blade (right flat) finish : ornamentally folded scroll, occupying almost the entire length of the blade, bearing the names of the ships Prince Louis served on, dates of service and ranks and appointments achieved - "ARIADNE, N.C. 1868-1869." & "REVENGE, 1869" & "ROYAL ALFRED MID. 1869-1874." & "SERAPIS, S.L. 1875-1876." & "SULTAN LIEUT. 1876-1878" & "AGINCOURT, 1878-1879." & "OSBORNE, 1879." & "INCONSTANT, 1880-1882." & "VICTORIA + ALBERT. 1883-1885." & "DREADNOUGHT COM. 1887-1888." & "SCOUT, 1889-1892" & "ANDROMACHE CAPT. 1892 W.O." & "CAMBRIAN 1894-1897." & "MAJESTIC, 1897-1899." & "H.M.D." & "IMPLACABLE" & "1901-1902" & "D.N.I." & "DRAKE 1905- 7." & "PRINCE OF WALES 1907-10." & "KING EDWARD VII 1911." & "THUNDERER 1912." (all ships' names are etched , the dates are etched down until 1902 after which they are engraved)
Inscription
mark stamped & etched blade (left ricasso)small circular gilt brass insert, embossed "HW", at the centre of two etched overlying and interlinked triangles
Inscription
inscription stamped blade (back, near guard)38896
Inscription
inscription etched blade (right ricasso)(in four lines)+HENRY+ WILKINSON PALL MALL LONDON