In aged condition, named KIA Boer War Northumberland Fusiliers Officers Wilkinson Sword
Sorry, this item has been sold (NB: we do not divulge sold prices). However, we have a search facility to help you find more similar items. Plus a feature that allows you to enter your email and keywords (for what you are looking for) to be notified by email when anything comes in. Or you can simply browse the various categories. See the left hand navigation column.
This is second lieutenant Charles Roger Barclay’s Boer War Northumberland Fusiliers Officer Wilkinson Sword. He would have died wearing or even holding this sword on the 4th April 1900 at the Battle / Mishap of Reddersberg. You can read more about Charles Roger Barclay here and here. The blade is etched with his initials, plus the badge and battle honours of the Northumberland Fusiliers. Serial number 36969 confirmed on the Wilkinson sales ledger as having been sold to him 9th October 1899 just before he set sail to South Africa.
NB: British infantry officers such as in the Northumberland Fusiliers were still wearing and sometimes using their swords during the Boer War, though many blackened the guards so as not to advertise they were officers to snipers / Boer marksmen. Many British Guards regiment officers however stopped wearing swords for the same reason. It is understood the Boers generally allowed KIA British officers’ bodies under their control to be repatriated with their swords.
The 32 3/4 inch blade is in good but aged condition with a steady patina throughout; there are clear signs that it was sharpened around the point but has since been blunted as is the norm after service. Blade firm in the hilt. The hilt / guard has a light pitting and dark patina; the St George and the dragon emblem of the Northumberland Fusiliers being brass is in very good condition. The fishskin grip is aged and worn but sound / good, a few “moth holes” but not many; the associated twisted wire grip bindings are good. There is no scabbard.
You want an evocative full provenance KIA wearing the sword, here you are. Grab it quick, was £? (too late, now sold). Please quote item reference AG78. Further / full sized images available upon request. Box 1530-117x15x14 (1.530)
