In very good condition, a Wynford Rees family’s WW1 British Royal Engineers Officer’s Sword
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Said by his family to be the WW1 sword of Thomas Wynford Rees, it is an 1897 pattern Royal Engineers officer’s sword (an 1897p infantry officer’s sword but with “Royal Engineers” etched to the blade, indicating he commissioned as an RE officer who then served in the Indian 73rd Carnatic Infantry Regiment; email from the family’s auctioneer confirming it came from them available. Major-General Thomas Wynford Rees, CB, CIE, DSO & Bar, MC, DL (12 January 1898 – 15 October 1959) was a Welsh officer in the British Indian Army during the First World War, the interwar years and the Second World War. NB It may even be he took a RE etched sword due to scarcity of options at the time in India.
No maker’s / retailer’s details to the blade, which is not unusual for a sword sold during WW1 in India. The guard is steel, not plated steel, so likely made in Birmingham or Sheffield England. The generic Fleur de Lis proof stud does not reveal a maker.
The 32 3/8 inch well etched blade is in good condition (some scuffing / wear) and firm in the hilt. The steel guard with GvR Royal Cypher is in very good condition, some patina to the inner metal. The black fishskin grip is aged / worn with some staining but good, as are the twisted grip wire bindings. The field service scabbard is good, some age / wear / scuffing; the sword sheathes and draws well.
A good Wynford Rees family’s WW1 British Royal Engineers Officer’s Sword for just £500. Please quote item reference ZU67. Further / full sized images available upon request. Box?
