George V British Royal Tank Corps Named Officer's Sword, sold

In aged condition, a super rare George V British Royal Tank Corps named officer's sword.

Yes, this sword has a fair amount of rust to it, but just find another British Royal Tank Corps officer's sword in any condition; it is the first we have ever seen! Complete with tank image and "Royal Tank Corps" etched to blade. Plus, the original owner's initials "B J K" (said to be "B J Kerslake") and family crest (motto: "Nosce te ipsum"), but we can find no trace of an officer by that name.

The 32 1/8 inch blade is in overall good condition, a fair bit of patina, especially towards the point, but the etching is still clear and the blade is firm in the hilt (etched to retailer / cutler "J Daniels & Co, 1 Artillery Place, Woolwich (London)". The hilt has suffered the test of damp time with quite a bit of plating loss and rust. The grip is aged (patchy) but good; the twisted grip wire bindings are good. The original sword knot is well aged and has broken in one place. The leather field service scabbard is aged and with loss around the chape. The sword sheathes and draws well enough.

Look, just try and find another Royal Tank Corps sword and then you will see our price of £? (too late, now sold). Please quote item reference P52 (2.092). Further / full sized images available upon request.

With thanks to Bryan Talbot (it may be possible to determine the original officer by reference to the Army List): The crest is not well done. In fact, it is incorrect as it is neither a front nor side profile, and it is difficult to determine if it is of a bull, cow, camel, goat, sheep or a hind! It therefore could be any of the following family crests; Kyrell - bull's head, Kneysworth or Knesworth - buffalo's head, Kahl - Camel's head, Kene - Hind's head, Kingsley - Goat's head, Kyrell - Bull's head, Kiniloc - an Indian Goat's head. We can not find any family name beginning with "K" associated with the phrase "Nosce te Ipsum".

If you have the time, get a 1932 British Army List (typically cost £10 online), search for "Tank Corps" and hopefully you will find out who B J K actually was!