A SWORD retrieved during the national knife amnesty is being displayed on an historic warship after being saved from the crusher by a Crewe police official.

The 19th-century sword, which belonged to a Royal Navy officer, has been handed over to HMS Warrior, the vessel which revolutionised sea warfare as Britain's first Ironclad fighting ship.

The sword, which dates back to 1827, was identified as the type that would have been carried by the Warrior's officers when she was first commissioned in 1860.

It was destined for the metal crusher after being handed into Crewe police during the amnesty, but was saved at the last minute by police press officer Alan Ingram.

Alan said: "It was in a dustbin along with a load of other swords which had come in during the amnesty and were bound for the crusher.

"I had gone into the store to look at some stolen bikes and was just walking past the swords when I noticed the lion's head pommel and the crown and fouled anchor motif on the hand guard. I thought it looked a bit special.

"When I pulled it out of the heap I could see it had the little brass stud in the blade which meant it had been tested and proved by the Royal Armouries.

"I'm interested in naval history so I knew I was holding a navy officer's sword from sometime in the 19th-century."

Research established that the Victorian sword was made at some point between 1827 and 1845.

Staff on the ship are currently refurbishing their latest addition for it to be put on show in one of the officer's cabins.

The Warrior's captain and chief executive Ken Jones has described it as an interesting addition to the ship's collection of Victorian Naval artefacts.

Alan, who has visited the ship several times, said it was the ideal home for the discovery.

He continued: "It just seemed wrong that something made by a craftsman nearly 200 years ago and which has seen service on the decks of Britain's sailing Navy should be destroyed.

"I checked to make sure that if it went somewhere secure we would be complying with the terms of the amnesty, and then thought about the best place for it to go."

The Warrior Trust is now appealing for whoever originally handed in the item to get in touch so they can receive a letter of appreciation.

The previous owner should call Alan on 01244 615330, or write to him at Crewe Police Station.