Sword : said to have belonged to William Bligh

Bligh Family Collection

Sword said to have belonged to William Bligh.

Probably of French design, to be used by the Paris Militia. The blade was manufactured in Germany, possibly in Solingen. 

The sword is steel with brass fittings and has a brass stirrup hilt. The pommel is in the form of a lion's head; the mane running into the back-plate. The ornate bronze hilt appears to be of French design, and has a braided copper grip.  The cross-piece and stirrup guard are fluted. On the reverse side of the hilt there is the appearance of a piece broken off. The blade is slightly curved, single-edged and flat backed. It has one long broad fuller and one short narrow fuller, and is decorated with stylised wreaths. 

The scabbard is black leather with two gilt brass lockets, each with a suspension ring. The tip is protected with a gilt brass chape. The scabbard fittings appear to be of British design and do no relate to the sword. Possibly taken from another sword, the suspension rings are attached back-to-front. 

Sword : said to have belonged to William Bligh

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