Light cavalry-type sword. The stirrup hilt consists of a cross-guard which extends slightly on the obverse, a quillion with disc finial, and is pierced for a swordknot. The flat pommel and back-piece have been cast in one, engraved with a crown and anchor and there is a grooved ivory grip. Blade is very curved, with single broad fuller running for almost all of its length, and is undecorated. The black tooled leather scabbard has a gilt top locket and chape, decorated with threads. The chape has a narrow shoe. There does not appear to have been a mid locket, although the top locket has a ring suspension. On the obverse is an attachment for frog suspension. Stamped on the reverse of the hilt, on the cross-guard, is 'FT' (Francis Thurkle). The flattened tang is rayed, and inscribed with a crown, foul anchor and branch, and a leafy design dwindling towards the ferrule. The quillon is inscribed with the monogram 'GC'. Stamped on the obverse of the blade is the initial 'W'. For details of Thurkle sword-cutlers, see W.E. May and P.G.W. Annis, 'Swords for Sea Service' (London: H.M.S.O., 1970).F. Thurkle
