The Thames river police was formed in 1798 as a private concern and then taken into government control in 1800. In 1839 it was incorporated into the metropolitan police but still retained its distinctive uniform and organisation based on the Royal Navy.
The cuttlass type sword has a cast brass-hilt with knuckle bow and side guard, 27 inch (69cm) slightly curved blade with a single fuller along both sides stamped at the ricasso with crowned inspection mark.
Contained in its original black leather scabbard with brass mounts.The scabbard release button is still present and working well.
