In sound / fairly good condition, the WW1 RN Officer’s sword of Gilbert G.H. Cooke
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We know this was Lieutenant Gilbert G.H. Cooke’s sword as there were no other officers with the initials “G G H Cooke”, as engraved on the top locket of the scabbard. The sword is etched at the forte / ricasso to “Gieve Matthews & Seagrove Ltd London Portsmouth” (their swords actually made by Wilkinson Sword), dating it from 1907 to 1911
We know Gilbert G.H. Cooke was the navigation officer on HMS Chatham. We believe he transferred to the Australian Flying Corps and was the navigator on the cross-Atlantic airship R34; see also here.
The 31 1/2 inch is in fair condition, some inert rust pitting / patina and nicks, firm in the hilt. The hilt / guard is aged with some verdigris but good; the folding section does not work well. The fishskin grip has some wear / patchy losses but is sound; the twisted grip wire bindings are good. The leather and brass fittings scabbard is fairly good but does not sheathe all the way on the sword blade.
The potential for research and a stellar bargain. Just was £? (too late, now sold). Please quote item reference ZZ33. Further / full sized images available upon request. Box 1687-101x15x14 (1.536)
