WW1 Royal Naval Air Service Officer's Sword, sold

A Royal Naval officer's sword marked to A B Gaskell, a flying officer with the Royal Navy / Naval Air Service, later the R.N.A.S., later the R.A.F.

This is the sword of Lieutenant, later Squadron Leader Arthur Bruce Gaskell, DSC, RN. It was bought sometime prior to a RNAS version of the RN sword being approved (1914), and is the sword we believe Arthur Bruce Gaskell wore until the formation of the Royal Air Force in 1918. Lieutenant A B Gaskell was awarded his aviator's certificate on the 2nd June 1913, served throughout World War One, being awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his part in the evacuation of Thermi Aerodrome on the Aegean island of Mityleni / Lesbos. Squadron Leader Arthur Bruce Gaskell led German / Turkish and shipping bombing raids, and also bombed German submarines; he was one of the first anti-submarine aviators.

Although this is a standard Royal Naval Officer's sword, it is very rare to find one with firm provenance to an air serviceman who not only survived but excelled in the war. If you search for "A B Gaskell RNAS", "Arthur Bruce Gaskell", you should start building up a full picture of this pilot's life, right through to his career after WW1 with the RAF.

The 31 1/2 inch blade is in good condition, some patina, firm in the hilt. The hilt is equally in good order, the folding guard bearing "A B Gaskell RN" period inscription good and locates well onto the scabbard pin, the fishskin grip and twisted grip wire bindings in good shape. The leather and gilt (faded / worn) fittings scabbard is mostly good, but there is a weakness / kink near the chape, and the upper fitting is a little loose. The sword sheathes and draws well. Because of the provenance, because the officer was in and did well at the RNAS, this sword will only appreciate in value and therefore is well worth our price. Further / full sized pictures available upon request. Please quote our item reference number A35 (646)