In good condition, a WW1 Coldstream Guards Named Officer’s Wilkinson Sword
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Etched at the ricasso to maker HENRY WILKINSON, PALL MALL, LONDON. Serial number stamped to the spine; 54509 for 24th April 1918.
Regulation guards pattern, with bright slender tapering fullered blade etched with maker’s details, Coldstream Guards battle honours, engraved owner’s name ‘A.R. Clare Smith’, crowned regimental badge and crowned ‘GRV’ cypher, steel hilt incorporating pierced Coldstream Guards regimental badge, and retaining a leather strap, and wire-bound ray-skin covered grip. NB Guards officers did not carry swords into battle in WW1, they carried revolvers / pistols; hence the blade being dress weight.
Lieutenant A. R. Clare-Smith rose to the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel and remained closely associated with the regiment after his active service, being recorded in 1958 as a Vice-President of the Coldstream Guards’ Bath Branch.
The slender dress weight 32 1/4 inch well etched blade is in very good condition and firm in the hilt. The plated steel hilt / guard has some scuffs around the edges and age / wear, but is good. The fish / ray skin grip is good but some were / age evident; the silver metal twisted grip wire bindings have some lesser strand turns absent but are nonetheless good. The leather strap (knot absent) is aged and worn. The plated steel scabbard has some plating patch loss / light rust, but is still good. The sword sheathes and draws well.
A named / identified officer’s WW1 Coldstream Guards Wilkinson Sword with battle honours for only £625. Please quote item reference AJ74. Further / full sized images available upon request. Box?
