In VGC, the British 1857P Royal Enginers Officer’s Sword of Fascist Party President R B D Blakeney
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VGC = very good condition. Note: the blade was professionaly period sharpened, so some of the original etching has gone.
This is the Victorian British 1857 Pattern Royal Enginers Officers Sword of later the British Fascist Party President Robert Byron Drury Blakeney, see here. Etched at the ricasso to “E Thurkle Maker Denmark St(reet) Soho London”. The sword almost certainly dates to 1891 when Blakeney was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Royal Engineers.
As well as the original owner’s interesting military, professional and political history, this sword had an intersting past too, as reflected in the blade. The blade was originally very well / professionaly sharpened, then the sharpened area was plated (to preserve its grandeur), then very etched with the / his “battle” (campaign) honours “Hafir, Sudan 1897, Khartoum”. He likely had this done at the end of the 19th Century before he served in South Africa during the Second Boer War where he was promoted to Captain. He later was made an honorary brigadier-general in 1922.
The 32 1/4 inch very well etched blade is in very good condition (see also above) and remains sharp plus firm in the hilt. The magnificent brass “acanthus leaf” hilt / guard is in very good condition (some slight compression / wear). The black fishskin grip and twisted grip wire bindings are very good. The steel (for field use) scabbard has patina patches throughtout but is very good nonetheless. The sword sheathes and draws well.
Great 1857P RE officer’s sword for a very interesting officer; well worth £1100. Please quote item reference AJ15. Further / full sized images available upon request. Box 2263 102 x 13 x 13 (2.076).
