Admiral Phillip Parker King's sword
Date1824-1835
Object number00044374
NameSword
MediumSteel, gilt
DimensionsOverall: 104 x 932 x 87 mm, 760 g
ClassificationsArmament
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionAdmiral Phillip Parker King was a well known naval officer, hydrographer and early surveyor of Australia's coastline. This solid half-basket hilted sword consisting of a gilt solid half-basket guard with raised bars, a crown and anchor badge was part of his officer apparel. It is engraved with 'SALTER Sword cutler to HRH the Duke of Sussex'.HistoryAdmiral Phillip Parker King (1793-1856), naval officer and early surveyor of the Australian coast was born on Norfolk Island in 1793, the son of Philip Gidley King. He was educated in England and joined the Royal Navy in 1807 and was promoted to Lieutenant in 1814. Between 1817 and 1822 on HMS MERMAID and secondly HMS BATHURST he made four trips surveying and charting areas of the Australian coast line that had not previously been charted by Matthew Flinders. He later published some of his findings in 'Narrative of a Survey of the Intertropical and Western Coasts of Australia', 1824. After being promoted to Commander he spent five years surveying the coast of the Strait of Magellan in charge of the vessels HMS ADVENTURE and HMS BEAGLE. In later life he held the position of Commissioner of the Australian Agricultural Company. Shortly before his death in 1856 he was appointed Rear Admiral on the retired list.
Phillip Parker King is remembered as the first Australian-born member of the Royal Navy to achieve officer rank. He was an influential figure in the early colonial development of Australia and lived at his estate Grantham at Milson's Point. His funeral was a major event in Sydney in 1856 and was recorded in a painting by Conrad Martens, now held by the State Library of NSW.
The swordmaker (cutler) John Salter operated from 35 The Strand from 1801 to 1824, and then moved to 73 The Strand. In 1835 the business was taken over and then operated as Windowson & Veale. Salter was cutler to George III sixth son, HRH The Duke of Sussex, Prince Augustus Frederick. Prince Augustus used the title until his death in May 1843.SignificanceThe sword is indicative of King's impressive naval career and influence as a prominent figure in the early Australian colony. He is remembered for being the first Australian-born member of the Royal Navy to achieve officer rank and as a surveyor of Australia's northern coastline.
