Rare Edward VIII British Infantry Officer's Sword, Sold

In sound though aged condition, a rare Edward VIII British Infantry Officer's Sword.

Because Edward VIII reigned for under a year during peace time and under a cloud (his affair with / marriage to American divorcee Wallis Simpson early in his reign (thus perhaps making officers think twice about getting a new sword with his royal cypher on it), and even the break with traditional cypher design on top of this, very few Edward VIII swords were made. Sometimes you will find a George V blade rehilted into his successor Edward VIII's hilt, this one is rare in that the hilt has the sought after rare E VIII R cypher but with a George VI blade (George VI succeeded Edward VIII). So, it is likely the officer ordered the sword just before Edward VIII abdicated, and while the hilt had been made by a cutler, the blade came with George VI's cypher. Why the officer accepted this and why the sword stayed as it is, is pure speculation. What is certain, all the above makes this a rare if not unique sword.

The 32 1/4 inch blade is aged and the etching feint with some patina splodges towards the tip, but sound and firm in the hilt. The hilt with pronounced speckling but sound. The grip with age and wear, the twisted grip wire present and correct. The field service scabbard mostly good. The straps are aged and with a section missing. The sword sheathes and draws well.

Scarce to rare. A good investment at £? (too late, now sold). Please quote item reference Q77 (0409). Further / full sized images available upon request.