Cased Lloyd's Patriotic Fund Trafalgar Sword

Cased Lloyd's Patriotic Fund Trafalgar Sword And Belt Of £100 Value To Charles Tyler Esq., Captain Of H.M.S. Tonnant

Dated 21st October 1805

With curved single-edged hollow-ground blade (some areas of minor rust patination) richly etched and gilt against a blued ground with flowers, foliage, entwined dolphins, naval and martial trophies, figures of Britannia and Victory, crowned arms and cypher of George III, the recipient's initials in a starburst above a phoenix, and the presentation inscription, stirrup hilt of ormolu, the quillons formed as a fasces, the knuckle-guard as a Hercules club entwined by a snake and retaining its original gilt bullion and blue silk sword-knot, the langets cast with acanthus foliage and naval trophies, the back-piece of the partly chequered ivory grip (minor chip) cast as the skin of the Nemean Lion, in its original foliate engraved scabbard of ormolu decorated with naval medallions on each side cast and chased with the figures of Britannia framed by the inscription 'Tonnant Nelson Trafalgar 21st Octr. 1805', and Hercules with the Hydra, and the Nemean Lion, the open panels with cast, pierced and chased naval trophies on navy blue velvet grounds, the two suspension loops in the form of coiled serpents, the chape with a border of graduated beads, the top edge of the locket engraved 'R. Teed Sword Cutler Lancaster Court Strand', and retaining virtually all its original blued and gilt finish; the belt of blue leather faced in navy blue velvet embroidered with foliage in silver-gilt threads and spangles, the gilt mounts including lion-mask bosses, the interlocking circular buckle cast and chased with Britannia fighting the Hydra above 'Patriot Fund 1803': in original fitted mahogany case (some repairs) lined in navy blue baize (some moth damage), the interior of the lid with illustrated maker's label inscribed 'Patriot Fund, Lloyd's, 1803. The ornamented design for the Hilt of the Swords, Presented from this Fund, in reward of British Valour, imports that National Union (figured by the Roman Fasces) Produces Herculean Efforts, (of which the Club of Hercules is emblematic;) Which, Aided By Wisdom, (denoted by the Serpent) Lead to Victory, (implied by the Skin of the Nemean Lion, - proudest of that Hero's Trophies), The Wreath of Laurel denotes that Rewards Await the Brave who shall Successfully Wield their Swords in the Cause of their Country, in Defence of British Security, Independence & Honor', the exterior with flush-fitting brass carrying handle and circular escutcheon engraved 'From the Patriotic Fund Lloyd's London to Charles Tyler, Esq. Cap.tn of H.M.S. Tonnant 1805'

78 cm. blade

Provenance: Charles Tyler and hence by direct family descent.

The presentation inscription reads: 'From The Patriotic Fund At Lloyds To Charles Tyler Esqr. Captn. of H.M.S. Tonnant For His Meritorious Services In Contributing To The Signal Victory Obtained Over The Combined Fleets Of France And Spain Off Cape Trafalgar On The 21st October 1805.'

Literature: Commander W.E. May, R.N. and P.G. Annis, Swords for Sea Service, 1970, p. 72

Source: www.bonhams.com/auctions/11430/lot/193/