An early 19th century sword with a higher estimate of £40,000 is going under the hammer at Bonhams sale of Antique Arms and Armour, next week (July 28).
This fine Lloyd's Patriotic Fund Sword "of £50 value" is dated to May 4, 1806, and was awarded to Lieutenant Sir William George Parker Bart of the HMS Renommeé.
 Mythological creatures are inscribed |
The weapon is decorated with richly-etched flowers and foliage, including roses, acorns and shamrocks, a naval trophy, and figures of Britannia and Hope - the latter alongside two cherubs holding garlands.
Also carved into the sword is the crowned arms and cipher of George III. Meanwhile, the sword's knuckle guard resembles a Hercules club entwined by a snake, and retains its original gilt bullion and blue silk sword knot (with some damage, according to Bonhams' condition report).
Boasting a 78cm blade, the sword also has a chequered ivory grip (with some minor chips) cast as the skin of the Nemean Lion, the vicious monster of Greek mythology. The weapon is selling with its original scabbard, mounted in ormolu.
 The fine Lloyd's Patriotic Fund Sword from 1806 |
Bearing the inscription "R. Teed. Dress Sword Maker to the Patriotic Fund, Lancaster Court, Strand" and retaining nearly all its original blued and gilt finish, the sword will auction at Bonhams with a pre-sale estimate of £30,000-40,000.
This is the second such sword of its type to auction at Bonhams, this year. As we reported back in April, another Lloyd's Patriotic Fund Sword - awarded to Lieutenant William Howe Mulcaster Of HMS Minerva, with a remarkable story behind it - sold for £60,000 in London on April 29.
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