Edwardian/WW1 Queens Royal West Surrey Regt Officers Sword, Sold

In overall good condition (blade especially good), an Edwardian / WW1 Edwardian Queens Royal West Surrey Regiment Officers Sword.

The sword etched to Hobson & Sons 1-3-5 Lexington St, London W with owner's initials R.D.C. for 1st Volunteer Battalion of The Queens, who served (with this sword) throughout World War One and made Captain on the 11th September 1914.

The 32 3/8 inch blade is extremely well etched and in excellent condition. Blade firm in the hilt. The hilt / guard with tarnish and oxidation (could easily be cleaned up). The fishskin grip in very good condition, as are the twisted grip wire bindings. The blackened (denoting rifles) steel scabbard has age, a small ding and some very light pitting but is overall good. The sword sheathes and draws very well.

A really good sword with provenance. Well worth £? (too late, now sold). Please quote item reference T67 (0817). Further / full sized images available upon request.

R. D. Cheesewright went on to be a Lieutenant Colonel; he died on the 18th September 1948. During WW1 he had to write painful letters to the families of his fallen subordinates, and graphic reports of actions in which he was involved. Here is one such of his reports;

On August 9, 1915, I advanced with my Company up the slopes of Hill 70. Private Macklin was in my immediate vicinity during the advance and at the furthest point near the crest of the hill, when the advance was checked, he was lying down about 15 yards to my right, partially screened from my view by a bush. Shrapnell was bursting very frequently and close to us, and I heard a cry and saw Private Macklin try and stand up. I went over to assist him and found that he had been very severely hit by an exploded shell – which had practically removed his left arm at the shoulder. It was a very bad wound, the shoulder bones being quite uncovered. It was impossible to apply a field dressing and as soon as possible I had him carried down to the Dressing Station, which was done before we had to retire from the gorze fire. I made enquiries afterwards from the Medical Officer who stated that he had attended to him and sent him down to the hospital, where his arm would have to be amputated. The M.O. also said that, considering the gravity of the wound, he was in a fairly good condition and might survive. I have not heard of him since.