P1854 Grenadier Guards MacDonald Officer's Sword (Sold)

Victorian 1854 Pattern Grenadier Guards Sword circa 1881 carrying the famous MacDonald's family crest and motto.

Most people know the MacDonald name as an important Scottish clan, but the MacDonald's have a long and important association with the Guards and this can not be underlined enough. The MacDonald's family crest and Latin motto "Per Mare - Per Terras" ("By Land and Sea") which only they and a few offshoot clans are able to use. Although this Thurkle made sword can not be traced back to the original owner by records, as these were destroyed in a fire, the fact remains the only contender of all the MacDonald clans showing in army lists for the period this sword was made (deduced by hilt style and etched campaigns) was a Lieutenant George Godfrey MacDonald of the 2nd Battalion Grenadier Guards. Lieutenant MacDonald was a page of honour to Queen Victoria (1876) before attending the Royal Military College; he was made Lieutenant on the 1st October, 1881. He served with the 2nd Battalion Grenadier Guards in the Egyptian war of 1882, and was present at the battle of Tel-el-Kebir (awarded Medal with Clasp, and Khedive's Star). Further research is possible; I know George Godfrey MacDonald made Captain as this was reported in the estate executor's official notice following his death on the 18th July 1930.

In stunning condition, this campaign etched sword with 81.5 cm blade comes complete with original scabbard in very good condition still, plus very good fishskin with all of the ring bindings intact and firm, plus more recent authentic sword knot that I had added. There is no movement between the blade and the hilt and nothing loose elsewhere. Further pictures available upon request. My item reference number is 150 (27)