Light cavalry-type sword, which is thought to have belonged to Vice-Admiral Richard H. Pearson (active 1793-1838). The sword consists of a gold stirrup hilt, with engraved langets. The sword has a flat green and gold, sword knot complete with a green and gold tassel. The sword knot was probably once blue and gold, age having turned the blue to green. The sword has a white ivory grip with a plain rounded gilt pommel and back-piece. The flat-backed steel blade is very curved and has a single broad fuller running to the point. The obverse of the blade is engraved with a crown above the Royal arms. The black leather scabbard has gilt lockets, rings and chape. The stud on the top locket has a frog suspension. The words 'Hill and Yardley, 3 Charing Cross. R.P. 1779', are engraved on the reverse of the top lockets.

Pearson Family tradition has it that, this sword was surrendered by Admiral Sir Richard Pearson (1731-1805/6) when he was a Captain to John Paul Jones (1747-1792) on 23 September 1779 after the action off Scarborough. However, the maker of the sword, Hill & Yardley, were not located at the address in Charing Cross, London which is mentioned in the inscription on the top lockets until 1800 and the style of the sword dates from between 1800-1820. It is therefore more likely that this sword belonged to Admiral Sir Richard Pearson's eldest son Vice-Admiral Richard H Pearson.

Vice-Admiral Richard H Pearson (1765-1838) was the eldest son of Richard Pearson and his wife Margaret. On 18 May 1803, the very day that renewed hostilities against France were declared, Pearson fell in with and ultimately captured l’Affronteur, a French lugger of 14 guns and 92 men. He was highly successful in his efforts against French trade but was later forced ashore as a result of ill health. He subsequently commanded the Dictator and the Benbow. In 1799, he married Miss Maria Holmes near Greenwich.