1895 Pattern Infantry Officers Sword Brigadier, Durham Light Infantry

1895 Pattern Infantry Officers Sword Brigadier, Durham Light Infantry

Code: 11706

SOLD

An interesting Victorian 1895 Pattern Infantry Officers sword, by Wilkinson Sword, Pall Mall, London.

A rather poorly stored example, with little of the original shagreen grip covering remaining, although all of the silver twistwire remains. The '95 pattern hilt with well formed crowned VR royal cypher. Old corrosion and active rust. Marked "Steel Hilt".

32.5 inch 1892 pattern single fullered blade. Etched with the family crest of an owl atop its prey. Etched with foliate engraving, and crowned VR cypher. Makers details and proof slug to the ricasso. The blade with old staining, stable rust, pitting and corrosion, particuarly towards the blades point. 

Housed in a brown leather field service scabbard. Some damage to the drag.

The sword of Brigadier H.S. Fitzgerald C.B.

Herbert Swayne Fitzgerald was born on March 12, 1856. He was the second son of Major C. M. Fitzgerald, Bengal Staff Corps. He studied at Wellington College before joining the Durham Light Infantry in 1875. He served with 15th Sikhs during the Afghan War, 1880, including Candahar (medal with clasp, bronze decoration). later taking part in the Marri Expedition, 1881.

He was appointed Deputy-Assistant-Adjutant-General for Intelligence, Soudan Frontier Field Force, 1885-1886 (medal, Khedive’s Star). Operations on Niger, 1897-1898 (despatches, Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel, medal with clasp). Commanded the 1st Battalion of the Durham Light Infantry during the Boer War, South Africa, 1899-1902, including Colenso, Tugela,Vaal Krantz (severely wounded, despatches twice, C. B.). awarded C. B. 29th Novemeber 1900. 

In 1907 he is listed as Assistant Adjutant General to the 6th Poona Division.

He was promoted to Brigadier General in September 1914, (L.G. 24/9/1914).

He married in 1884, Charlotte Baumgartner, and was a member of the Army and Navy Club.

He died on the 2nd of July, 1924.

Worthy of further detailed research.

Supplied with a digital copy of the Wilkinson Ledger page, confirming the original owner.

An excellent opportunity to purchase a sword with a lot of history, with room for improvement.

Strictly over 18's only. Photo ID will be required before this item can be dispatched.