Swedish officer's naval broadsword, model 1824

[Pertinax]

I'll show you another Scandinavian sword. One of the most beautiful and rare sea swords in my collection.

On the blade are the monograms of King of Sweden Karl XIV Johan and Hertig Södermanland Joseph Oscar Bernadotte.

[fernando]

Excelent example indeed !

[Jim McDougall]

Pertinax, thank you so much for sharing these outstanding examples! As I noted we dont have much on Scandinavian swords here overall, but it is great to have these as a point of reference.

Perhaps you might share details, for example you note this as a rare sea service sword,. What periods did it cover (M1824 but how long in use?) and the reigns of this monarch and other figure....what years etc?

While it is a beautiful sword, the historic details add valuable dimension in appreciating it further!

The dolphin zoomorphic is fantastic! was this unique or seen on any other Swedish or other swords.

[Pertinax]

Originally Posted by Jim McDougall

Pertinax, thank you so much for sharing these outstanding examples! As I noted we dont have much on Scandinavian swords here overall, but it is great to have these as a point of reference.

Perhaps you might share details, for example you note this as a rare sea service sword,. What periods did it cover (M1824 but how long in use?) and the reigns of this monarch and other figure....what years etc?

While it is a beautiful sword, the historic details add valuable dimension in appreciating it further!

The dolphin zoomorphic is fantastic! was this unique or seen on any other Swedish or other swords.

Charles XIV John (Swedish: Karl XIV Johan; 26 January 1763 – 8 March 1844) was King of Sweden and Norway from 1818 until his death in 1844 and the first monarch of the Bernadotte dynasty. In Norway, he is known as Charles III John (Norwegian: Karl III Johan) and before he became royalty in Sweden, his name was Jean-Baptiste Jules Bernadotte. During the Napoleonic Wars, he participated in several battles as a Marshal of France.

Born in Pau in southern France, Bernadotte joined the French Royal Army in 1780. Following the outbreak of the French Revolution, he exhibited great military talent, rapidly rising through the ranks, and was made a brigadier general by 1794. He served with distinction in Italy and Germany, and was briefly Minister of War. His relationship with Napoleon was turbulent; nevertheless, Napoleon named him a Marshal of the Empire on the proclamation of the French Empire. Bernadotte played a significant role in the French victory at Austerlitz, and was made Prince of Pontecorvo as a reward. Bernadotte was, through marriage to Désirée Clary, brother-in-law to Joseph Bonaparte, and thus a member of the extended Imperial family.

In 1810, Bernadotte was unexpectedly elected the heir-presumptive (Crown Prince) to the childless King Charles XIII of Sweden, thanks to the advocacy of Baron Carl Otto Mörner, a Swedish courtier and obscure member of the Riksdag of the Estates. He assumed the name Charles John and was named regent, and generalissimo of the Swedish Armed Forces, soon after his arrival becoming de facto head of state for most of his time as Crown Prince.

Upon the death of Charles XIII in 1818, Charles John ascended to the thrones. He presided over a period of peace and prosperity, and reigned until his death in 1844.

Oscar I (born Joseph François Oscar Bernadotte; 4 July 1799 – 8 July 1859) was King of Sweden and Norway from 8 March 1844 until his death. He was the second monarch of the House of Bernadotte.

The only child of King Charles XIV John, Oscar inherited the thrones upon the death of his father.

Prince of Sweden

As the Swedish king Charles XIII was without legitimate heirs, and Sweden therefore was without an heir to the throne, Oscar's father was proposed as a possible candidate to the Swedish throne in 1810. As one of the arguments for his election, it was argued that he already had a son and the future succession to the throne was secured. A portrait of the young Oscar was handed out at the Diet of the Four Estates assembled in Örebro to elect an heir to the throne, serving as a lever for the election of Bernadotte. On 21 August 1810, the Riksdag elected Oscar's father as heir-presumptive to the Swedish throne. Two months later, on 5 November, he was formally adopted by the king under the name of "Charles John"; Oscar was then created a Prince of Sweden with the style of Royal Highness, and further accorded the title of Duke of Södermanland.

Oscar became Crown Prince in 1818 upon the death of his adoptive grandfather, and the accession of Charles John to the Swedish and Norwegian thrones.

Several swords model 1824 published in the book “Sea Blades” by D. A. Fedurin.

Unfortunately, I do not know the period when this sword was used. I would be very grateful if someone complements my knowledge.

Regards, Yuri

[Jim McDougall]

Pertinax, thank you so much for adding this detailed synopsis of Sweden's regal historical figures and background. This is exactly the kind of perspective I was hoping for!
As I noted, there is typically not that much addition here regarding the Scandinavian swords, and especially not the maritime forms. Also very important is the detail on the Napoleonic period. While of course most focus is typically on France, Great Britain and Germany in the Napoleonic material. the participation of other countries including Sweden were very much part of the scope of these wars.

It would seem of course that as with most regulation patterns of military swords, the date year of classification (in this case 1824) serve as a kind of benchmark, but by no means exact period of use.

It would seem of course that your sword by virtue of the regal cyphers would have been in use from around 1824 of course.....through 1859 and by a naval officer serving in that regnal period. What is interesting is that the cyphers of both monarchs are present together.
Perhaps during the latter part of the reign of Charles (Karl XIV) as he reached the end of his life, Oscar might have acted as Prince Regent?

Thus closing the period range into 1840s?

[Pertinax]

To be more precise, the period 1824-1844.

Oscar became Crown Prince in 1818 upon the death of his adoptive grandfather, and the accession of Charles John to the Swedish and Norwegian thrones. Oscar I King of Sweden and Norway since 1844


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[Radboud]

What a fantastic sword Pertinax, Swedish swords of this era a truely lovely pieces and yours is no exception. Unfortunately there is too little information in English on these wonderful pieces. So this is much appreciated.