Solid half-basket hilted sword. Owned by Admiral L.A.B. Donaldson (d.1956) and Admiral Vernon D'Arcy Donaldson (fl.1924-54). The hilt is of regulation style, with a gilt brass solid half-basket guard, pierced for a swordknot, with knot in situ. There is a lion's-head pommel with mane extending to form the back-piece. The grip is covered with fish-skin, painted white, and bound with three gilt wires.

The blade is a broadsword type ('claymore'), etched for two-thirds of its length. The scabbard has top and mid lockets of gilt brass, decorated with engraved lines and scrolls and with a ring at the back. The chape is of gilt brass with pointed shoe. The folding flap is engaged by a stud on the top locket. There is a leather sword bag.

The obverse of the blade is inscribed with a brass proof mark (proved with a pellet) within a Shield of David, acorns and oak leaves interlaced, with rope surround, crown over foul anchor with rays above, acorns and oak leaves interlaced with rope surround. The reverse is inscribed with 'HENRY WILKINSON, PALL MALL, LONDON', 'BY APPOINTMENT' and Prince of Wales feathers (on the shoulder), acorns and oak leaves interlaced with rope surround, Royal coat of arms with rays above, acorns and oak leaves interlaced with rope surround. Numbered 33512 T. The folding flap is inscribed with 'V.D.A. DONALDSON, RN.'

Admiral L.A.B Donaldson CB: Naval Cadet 15 January 1890; Midshipman 15 July 1892; Sub-Lieutenant 15 January 1896; Lieutenant 30 June 1898; Commander 31 December 1909; Captain 31 December 1914; Rear-Admiral 2 March 1926 (Admiral Superintendent, Portsmouth Dockyard); Vice-Admiral 23 May 1930; retired, 8 May 1935; died, 29 June 1956. 1March 1922 - Director of Torpedoes & Mining from 1926.

Admiral V.D'A. Donaldson: Midshipman 10 January 1924; Sub-Lieutenant 15 November 1926; Lieutenant 15 December 1927; Lieutenant-Commander 31 December 1939; Captain 31 December 1944; Aide de Camp 1954; retired April 1956. Whilst retired he became an acting Rear-Admiral but was listed as Captain in the retired lists. A number of other items came in at the same time which were passed to the relevant departments - viz.2. ornamental tiller yoke; 3. pen used by G V ; Clock; badges of ships; telescope; photos and letters. See also sword WPN1465 which belonged to V.D'A. Donaldson.