British RN Officer's Sword of Lt. A E M Raynsford,
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In good condition, the sword of Anthony Edward Montagu Raynsford,
RN. Complete with all weather bag, etc. Lt
A E M Raynsford was an anti-submarine officer on HMS
Faulknor (H62) the destroyer flotilla leader of the British
Home Fleet when it sank the first German U-boat of WW2, U-39.
 

Engraved "A E M Raynsford" to the folding guard section
of the hilt, and marked "A E M R" to the all weather bag,
this is the sword of the man who ordered the depth charges fired
that sank U-39 (although they rescued all of the U-Boats crew alive).
He would have bought this sword in 1935 / 1936 after he was promoted
from Midshipman, and we have his
Midshipman's dirk here; both items bought by us from the family
of Anthony Edward Montagu Raynsford, who went on to become a Commander
and then a Captain.


The 31 5/8 inch blade is in good though worn condition, with the
etching a little feint now; marked to maker / cutler Gieves, which
means this is a Wilkinson made sword. The blade is firm in the hilt.
The hilt with good amounts of gilt remaining is in overall good
condition. The fishskin grip is good, but a little grubby; the twisted
grip wore bindings mostly good but a little astray in places. The
leather and gilt metal scabbard is aged but sound; the fitting have
lost a fair bit of gilt. The roeskin bag is old and stained. The
all weather bag sound but worn and aged. The sword knot in good
order, a little worn in places. The sword sheathes and draws well;
the folding section of the guard works well.
Nice to have such a sword from a named officer and with some history.
Bet you can't find better at only £xxx (too late, now sold
- original sales price divulged for small fee). Please quote item
reference AA25 (0012). Further / full sized images available upon
request.



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