AN HISTORIC 1912 PATTERN CAVALRY OFFICER'S SWORD BY WILKINSO...

AN HISTORIC 1912 PATTERN CAVALRY OFFICER'S SWORD BY WILKINSON USED AT THE LYING IN STATE AT WINSTON CHURCHILL'S FUNERAL. A 1912 pattern cavalry officers sword with an 89 cm slender tapering, well decorated blade with crowned GR cypher amongst foliage, previous owner's initials W.S.M. and marked to the ricasso for Henry Wilkinson of London. Numbered to the back of the 53721 suggesting a date between 1914 and 1917. With a well decorated full guard and bound shaped grip, the brown leather sword knot with Lancers button. With service and dress scabbards. 112 cm.The original owner appears to have neem W.S. Mitford who was commissioned into the 17th DCO Lancers in 1918, leaving the regiment on amalgamation in 1922. This sword was given to a young officer of the 17/21st Lancers by his regiment on his appointment as Aide De Camp to Field Marshal Sir Richard Hull, the then CIGS, who had himself served in and commanded that regiment. As Winston Churchill had served with the 21st Lancers, most famously charging with them at Omdurman, his successor regiment was honoured to stand vigil over his coffin during the Lying in State in Westminster Hall before his funeral. The vendor of this sword was one of the officers selected for this most memorable duty.

Estimate:£300

View all items fromEASYLIVEAUCTIONorMedals, Arms & Armour