In overall good replated condition, the Boer War British Artillery Officer’s Sword, by descent, of Lieutenant Reginald Wellesley Wilson, First Northumberland Volunteer Artillery / Elswick Battery.
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By repute of the vendor to us, this is the sword of Lieutenant Reginald Wellesley Wilson, First Northumberland Volunteer Artillery / Elswick Battery.
Lieutenant Reginald Wellesley Wilson: First Northumberland Volunteer Artillery. Reginald Wilson (1875-1957) was an engineer in the Armstrong Whitworth armaments company, who also served as a Volunteer officer in South Africa, during the Boer War, as a member of the celebrated Elswick Battery. He was awarded the QSA (bars CC, OFS, Tr, SA 01) and on his return to England was made a Freeman of the city of Newcastle on Tyne. He continued to work as a manager and engineer for Armstrong Whitworth through the Great War. The story of the Elswick Battery is probably unique in the annals of British military history. Lieutenant (later Captain) Wilson was one of only six Volunteer officers in the unit’s complement of 253 who went to South Africa, only 175 returned to England.
The 32 1/2 inch blade has been re-plated (as has the hilt and scabbard), so the etching is very feint, only part of the maker’ / retailer’s name visible; it appears this was done many years ago as it was done well (the proof slug has not been plated). The blade has rust streaks towards the point, which indicates the inside of the scabbard was damp before it was stored. The hilt is very good. The fishskin grip has some age (fading) but is good, as are the twisted grip wire bindings. The plated steel scabbard is in good condition. The sword sheathes and draws a little loosely.
A good example and with provenance! Just was £? (too late, now sold). Please quote item reference number Q20. Further / full sized images upon request. Box 0348-1.18 (2.320).
