In VGC, the Victorian Devonshire Regt Infantry Officer’s Wilkinson Sword of J F Radcliffe (KIA, DSO).
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Lieutenant Colonel Jasper Fitzgerald Radcliffe DSO was KIA (Killed in Action) during WW1 (World War One) on the 31st January 1916.
VGC = Very Good Condition
2nd Battalion Devonshire Regiment Officer’s Sword by Wilkinson of London. This Victorian Infantry sword was carried by Lieutenant Colonel Jasper Fitzgerald Radcliffe DSO who served during the Boer War and was Killed in Action January 1916 Commanding the 10th Bn Essex Regiment The blade with crowed VR cypher and etched panel bearing his initials “JFR”. The forte with the cutlers details of Wilkinson of London, the back of the blade with the number 29211(1888). The hilt of regulation pattern, the guard with Crowned VR cypher the shagreen grip with twist wire binding. Complete with later quality brown leather field service scabbard, this with steel mounts, plus his originial leather storage bag bearing his (feint) inked initials (J F R).
Serial number 29211 for December 1888, the blade was originally fitted into an 1854 pattern (“Gothic Hilted”) hilt and then remounted into the current 1897P when the regulated pattern changed.
Lieutenant Colonel Jasper Fitzgerald Radcliffe DSO was commissioned into the Devonshire Regiment in 1888, the year the original 1854P sword was ordered. By the time of the Boer War he held the rank of Captain and embarked with the 2nd Bn in October 1899. During the Boer War he was Mentioned In Despatches on 2 occasions and on the 27th September 1901 the London Gazette announced the award of his DSO. Although wounded when trying to reach a wounded soldier under fire, he remained with the regiment and in 1914 with the rank of Major, and landed in France with the 2nd Bn on the 5th November 1914. In December 1914 he was wounded and while recovering was given command of the 10th Bn Essex Regiment in October 1915. On the 31st January 1916 he was Killed in Action. This sword would have been with him (in his quarters) during WW1.
The 32 1/2 inch sharpened (at point) well etched blade is in good condition, some roughness to edges, wear, etc., plus is firm in the hilt. The steel hilt (not plated) bearing Queen Victoria’s VR Royal Cypher is in very good condition for its age. The fishskin grip has wear but is good, as are the twisted grip wire bindings. The later replacement fine leather with steel fittings scabbard, a sure sign this sword continued to serve Lieutenant Colonel Jasper Fitzgerald Radcliffe thoughout his career, is in very good condition. The leather carry bag is aged but very good. The sword sheathes and draws well.
A senstational VR Wilkinson Sword for a KIA notable officer at a bargain pricee, just was £? (too late, now sold). Please quote item refereence ZV12. Further / full sized images available upon request. Box?
