British RN Officer's Sword of Lt. A E M Raynsford, Sold

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.