Solid half-basket hilted sword, which belonged to Vice-Admiral McClure (1807-1873). The hilt consists of a gilt, solid half-basket guard with raised bars and crown and anchor badge; a folding flap on the inside hole to engage on stud on top locket; a lion's-head pommel and back-piece, mane extending whole way down the back; a white fish-skin grip bound with three gilt wires; and a prominent tang button. The sword knot is missing. The slightly curved, flat-backed Wilkinson blade has a groove running to within 254mm of double-edged spear point. Engraved on the obverse is a proof mark, decoration, Royal arms with supporters, 'DIEU ET MON DROIT' below and crown above, decoration. On the reverse is 'GILLOTT & HASELL, 36 STRAND' with a crown and foul anchor above, and decoration above and below. There is a black leather scabbard, with two gilt lockets and rings and chape, ornamented with fluted threads and scrolls. This sword belonged to Vice-Admiral Sir Robert John Le Mesurier McClure. It conforms to the 1856 regulations and was probably purchased by Captain McClure in the spring of 1856 when he was appointed to HMS ESK. His earlier sword had presumably been left behind in HMS INVESTIGATOR when she was abandoned in the ice. Lady McClure, at her death, bequeathed it to Major H.F. McClintock, eldest son of Admiral Sir Francis Leopold McClintock, and he in turn gave it to his nephew, Lieutenant John Leopold Elphinstone McClintock. Lieutenant McClintock was killed in 1940 and on 26 April 1955 his father, Colonel R.S. McClintock, gave it to the National Maritime Museum. Career of Vice-Admiral Sir Robert John Le Mesurier McClure as follows: Born 28 January 1807; entered Royal Navy 1824; Lieutenant 30 November 1837; Commander 4 November 1849; Captain 18 December 1850, actual promotion 7 October 1853; Rear-Admiral 20 March 1867; Vice-Admiral 29 May 1873; Died 17 Oct 1873. He took part in three Arctic voyages: as Mate of HMS TERROR, 1836-1837; as Lieutenant of HMS INVESTIGATOR, 1848-1849; and in command of HMS INVESTIGATOR, 1850-1854. Career of Lieutenant John Leopold Elphinstone McClintock as follows: Midshipman, 1 May 1929, Sub-Lieutenant 1 May 1932; Lieutenant 1 May 1934; Killed 1940.