Lot 86
86
A NAVAL OFFICER'S STIRRUP-HILTED DRESS SWORD, BELIEVED TO BE THAT OF ADMIRAL SIR EDWARD CODRINGTON, PREVIOUSLY CAPTAIN OF HMS ORION AT TRAFALGAR
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A NAVAL OFFICER'S STIRRUP-HILTED DRESS SWORD, BELIEVED TO BE THAT OF ADMIRAL SIR EDWARD CODRINGTON, PREVIOUSLY CAPTAIN OF HMS ORION AT TRAFALGAR

CIRCA 1810-1825

Details
A NAVAL OFFICER'S STIRRUP-HILTED DRESS SWORD, BELIEVED TO BE THAT OF ADMIRAL SIR EDWARD CODRINGTON, PREVIOUSLY CAPTAIN OF HMS ORION AT TRAFALGAR
Circa 1810-1825
With very slender fullered single-edged blade etched and gilt with trophies-of-war, naval motifs and sprays of foliage on a blued panel over two-thirds of its length (patches of rust), gilt-brass hilt including rounded knuckle-guard cast with fluted spirals of laurel foliage, rear quillon with ball terminal, fouled anchor langets, large lion's head pommel, and original wire-bound fishskin grip, in its original scabbard with gilt-brass mounts cast in relief with further naval trophies and leaf ornament; sold together with copies of original correspondance relating to the provenance.
25 7/8in. (65.8cm.) Blade (2)
Provenance
Believed to have descended through either of the male lines (Sir Edward left two sons, Sir William 1804-1884 and Sir John Henry 1808-1877) to Mrs E.T. Codrington of Richmond. Writing in 1948 to Christopher Ritchie Esq., of Chelsea, the father of the present owner, Mrs Codrington alludes to the possibility of showing the sword to Mr Ritchie. The sword was subsequently sold to Mr Ritchie.
Special notice
No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 17.5% will be added to the buyer's premium, which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.

Lot Essay

The sword compares with four examples preserved in the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich. See W.E. May and P.G.W. Annis, Swords for Sea Service, London, 1970, nos 12, 230, 347 and 381.

Admiral Sir Edward Codrington, GCB, GCMG, FRS (1770-1851), achieved a career at sea which was distinguished both by accomplishment and longevity. For an account of his command of HMS Orion (74 Guns) at Trafalgar see Col. R.H. Mackenzie, The Trafalgar Roll, London, 2004.

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