Victorian British Army Veterinary Department Officer's Sword, sold

In good condition, a rare Boer War Era British Army Veterinary Department Officer's Presentation Sword.

Etched "J STEWART WOOD A.V.D. FROM COLONEL GRAY BUCHANAN. JUNE 1897", this Wilkinson made sword has the serial number 34971 which is correct for 1897. Most likely presented by Colonel James Ross Gray-Buchanan (rather than his brother Michael Rowand Gray-Buchanan), Army Veterinary Department officers would have worn cavalry swords like this one (it is an 1821 Pattern cavalry sword) as their work was fundamentally with horses / cavalry regiments.

J Stewart Wood appears to be Irish by birth. was born in 1873 and qualified at the London Veterinary College in March 1896. He served in the 3rd and 4th Bn of the Scottish Rifles from 1891-1897 and transferred to the Army Veterinary Department in June 1897. He served throughout the First World War.

The 35 inch blade is in good but aged / worn condition, with a steady patina throughout; firm in the hilt. There is some minor damage to the blade; some very small patches of surface loss in one small area which may even be battle damage. The hilt good / sound, it has age / been cleaned. The fishskin grip is quite good but with wear / some loss; the twisted grip wire bindings good. The leather field service scabbard is overall good. The sword sheathes and draws well.

First A.V.D. sword I have ever seen, so a rare beast indeed. On the basis you are very unlikely to ever find another, plus the fact this is a presentation sword, the £? (too late, no sold) price tag equals a sound investment. Please quote item reference AA90 (0073). Further / full sized images available upon request.