1854 Patt WW1 Irish Guards Officers Sword, 2nd Earl Baldwin, (sold)

In very good condition, a rare WW1 1854 pattern Irish Guards sword, the former property of Oliver Ridsdale Baldwin, the 2nd Earl of Baldwin, AKA Viscount Corvedale, son of British prime minister Stanley Baldwin.

If you want a superb quality sword that was once owned by an extremely colourful member of the nobility, then this is the one for you. You can read about Oliver Ridsdale Baldwin here. This is the 2nd Earl of Baldwin's Irish Guards sword, initialed "O R B" to both the blade and the leather carry case that comes with it

The sword is in excellent condition. The 32 1/4 inch blade (1 inch at ricasso) is in exceptionally good order, one small patch of black patina to the back edge, very slight scratches here and there, with original owner initials, George V cypher, Irish Guards badge and Gaelic foliate etching. Blade firm in the hilt and sheathing / drawing well into / out of the scabbard. The hilt a little age tarnished but it will clean if required with a good metal polish; it has a pleasing light tarnish effect right now. The fishskin grip and twisted grip wire bindings are very good. The leather field scabbard in good condition, well above average. The leather carry bag and internal cloth bag also good.

If this sword did not have such original owner appeal / provenance, it would be worth £1000 of anyone's money. Please quote item reference number C59 (660). Full sized / further images are available upon request.