Sword of Admiral Sir Ralph Edwards (sold)

In good condition, the Victorian claymore bladed RN sword (originally owned by his wife's grandfather), the sword actually carried by Admiral Sir Ralph Edwards as Director of Operations for the Home Fleet during WW2, Chief of Staff for the Eastern Fleet also during WW2, was Captain of HMNZS Gambia and the Aircraft Carrier HMS Illustrious, Third Sea Lord and Controller of the Royal Navy, and Commander-in-Chief of the British Mediterranean Fleet.

It is almost impossible to get the sword of a more important British Royal Naval officer as this, the sword of Admiral Sir Ralph Alan Bevan Edwards KCB CBE, carried / worn by him before, throughout WW2 and beyond (detailed career). The sword is a Victorian RN officer's claymore bladed sword bearing the Hurt (of Ashbourn, Alderwasley and Wirksworth in Derbyshire) family crest (motto: Mane Predam Vesperi Spolium), with the initials "A F H" for "Albert Frederick Hurt" below.

Albert Frederick Hurt was the grandfather of Joan Le Fowne Hurt, daughter of Henry Albert Le Fowne Hurt CMG RN, who married Ralph Alan Bevan Edwards in 1932. The sword is said to be one of the wedding gifts from Henry Albert Le Fowne Hurt to Ralph Alan Bevan Edwards. Albert Frederick Hurt had served with distinction with the British Royal Navy during the Crimean War. The sword is reputed to have been with Ralph Edwards since that day throughout his career, and this is somewhat confirmed by a) the exceptional wear to the grip, showing it been held in the hand (while sheathed) many times, b) the all weather bag marked "R. A. B. E.", and the period (post war) label for "Admiral Sir Ralph Edwards, Commander in Chief, Mediterranean Fleet" (his last position with the Royal Navy).

The 28 3/4 inch blade is in good condition, with some rust patches, etched as previously stated and also bearing the retailer's details "Batten & Adams, Fore Street, Devonport". The blade is firm in the hilt. The hilt retains much gilt. The white fishskin grip is very dirty and worn, no doubt from many troubled moments and much perspiration; I would never think of cleaning let alone refurbishing this. The twisted grip wire bindings are in good shape. The original sword knot is a little worn and also grubby. The hilt's folding guard works fine and locates onto the scabbard locking pin as it should. The leather and gilt fittings scabbard is in good order though aged of course. The all weather bag is tired but sound and complete. The price includes the last Admiral's cap of Ralph Alan Bevan Edwards and of course the label attached to the all weather bag.

I believe this sword to be an absolute snip, an incredible opportunity and investment. Further / large images available upon request. My item reference number 875 (381).