In very good condition, a Clan Fraser Claymore Bladed Victorian Scottish / British Royal Naval Officer’s Wilkinson Sword
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Bearing the Stag’s / Buck’s Head with “Je Suis Pret” (“I am ready”; “Pret is the more modern spelling of “Prest”) of the Chiefs of the Clan Fraser of Lovat, together with the officer’s initials (IAMF). The Wilkinson serial number is 22046 for 1877 and confirms it was sold to I.A. Mackenzie Fraser. This is a so called “Claymore” bladed version of the British Royal Navy officer’s sword pattern, and would have cost considerably more than the regular bladed sword.
FRASER, IAN MACKENZIE, Captain, Royal Navy, was born 15 November 1854, at Dundee, eldest son of Captain lan Fraser, 93rd Sutherland Highlanders, of Whitehill, County of Fife, and Charlotte, daughter of John Mackenzie, of Ness House, Inverness. He was educated at a private school, and joined the Royal Navy on 25 August 1868; became Lieutenant, 1879. He married, 7 December 1887, Effie, daughter of William P Edwards, JP, of 17 Belgrave Crescent, Edinburgh, and Broadwell, Perth. He served in command of HMS Sparrow, and was Second in Command of Naval Brigade at night attack on Fodey Kabba, at Marige, Gambia, 1891 (highly mentioned in Despatches, received the thanks of the Governor of Gambia, specially commended by him to the Secretary of State for the Colonies); was in command of HMS Sparrow with Gambia Expedition, 1892, resulting in the capture of Tambi and Toniataba (Medal with clasp; created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 10 January 1893]: “In recognition of his services in the recent operations on the West Coast of Africa. lan Mackenzie Fraser, Lieutenant, Royal Navy”. Decoration, Warrant and Statutes sent to Admiralty for presentation; presentation reported by the Admiralty 27 June 1893). He became Commander in 1893; Captain (retired), 1904. Appointed Divisional Coast Watch Officer and Competent Naval Authority for Coastal Area, Llanrhystyd (Wales) to Solway Firth, 21 July 1915. Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book)
The 31 inch blade is in near new condition save for a few small inert rust / patina patches, thankfully away from the important etching detail. The blade is firm in the solid bowl (no folding section) guard / hilt. The hilt in very good condition and retaining much gilt. The fishskin grip and associated twisted grip wire bindings in very good condition. The original sword knot is in remarkably good condition albeit a little faded / grubby. The leather and brass fittings scabbard a little aged; the sword sheathes and draws well, plus the scabbard retaining mechanism works well. The leather all weather carry case is aged and lost part of its hood.
A truly top class sword in well above average condition. A steal for just was £? (too late, now sold). Please quote item reference AG40. Further / full sized images available upon request. Box 1427-101x19x16 (2.427).
