In good condition, the Royal Naval Admirals Sword of Wilfred F. French
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True, the folding guard’s engraving is “Lieut W. F. French, RN”, but he kept this sword throughout his career as evidenced by the Flag Officer rank scabbard with oak leaves to the suspension rings and chape. Etched at the forte / ricasso to “Gieves, Matthews & Seagrove”, the blade is slim, a piquet “weight” sword. He held several very senior positions in the British Royal Navy before and at the time of the “Scapa Flow Incident” in 1939.
Wilfred F. French
Born 1880
Died 1958
Battle of Jutland Medal 1916
Married in March 1927 to Marianne Nora Hamilton
May 1927 became Captain of HMS Hood
Rear Admiral Second Battle Squadron 1931-1932
Vice Admiral in Charge Malta 1934-1937
1939 Admiral Commanding Orkneys and Shetland (Scapa Flow incident where German U-47 sank the British battleship HMS Royal Oak)
Clearly, his next posting reflected a view that he was not suited to an active role.
1941-44 Representative for Administration and Maintenance (Washington DC)
It is believed that he was wearing this very sword at HQ when HMS Royal Oak, anchored at the time, was sent to the bottom of Scapa Flow with the loss of many lives. It is also possible he wore this same sword at the Battle of Jutland in WW1.
Full provenance (see extra photos)
The well etched 28 15/16 inch blade is in good condition and form in the hilt. The gilt brass hilt / guard is a little dull perhaps with age but is in good condition; the fold guard section works well and locates onto the scabbard’s retaining pin. The white fishskin grip is very good, as are the twisted grip wire bindings. The sword knot is aged, a little grubby / frayed etc., but sound. The black leather with Admiral rank gilt brass fittings is aged and has some wear but remains good. The sword sheathes and draws well.
A great sword for a very important officer whose active role went down with HMS Royal Oak at Scapa Flow in 1939. Just was £? (too late, now sold). Please quote item reference AJ10. Further / full sized images available upon request. Box 2258Â 95 x 13 x 13 (1.495).
