Code: 12137
A good 1912 Pattern Cavalry Officers Sword to a carrer cavalry officer, by Wilkinson sword.
This sword was purchased in 1914 by S. A. Sanford, 7th Dragoon Guards.
Upon leaving Sandhurst Lieutenant Stephen Ayshford Sanford saw service with the 7th Dragoon Guards (Princess Royal's Own) in Secunderabad, India as part of the Secunderabad Cavalry Brigade until August 1914 when the regiment were transferred to the Western Front.
In April 1915 Sanford transferred to 16 Squadron, Royal Flying Corps. It was a short lived appointment, as his plane was shot down whilst on a reconnaissance, and he was made a prisoner of war in May 1915.
It would seem that the Imperial War Museum hold a quantity of letters sent by Lieutenant Sanford, detailing his experiences as a young officer, Catalogue number: “Documents.16662”.
“These detail his daily activities in the trenches and the fighting taking place around him and also note his transfer to No 16 Squadron of the Royal Flying Corp in May 1915, his almost immediate capture by the Germans and becoming a prisoner of war (15 May 1915 – 30 August 1917), providing an account of how his plane was shot down whilst out on reconnaissance, the initial treatment he received and the conditions at the various POW camps in Halle, Burg bei Magdeburg and Furstenberg.”
After the war he served with the 3rd Hussars.
He is listed in The London Gazette, Publication date: 16th March 1948:
The KING has been graciously pleased to give unrestricted permission for the wearing of the following decorations bestowed by the King of Norway in recognition of services to Norway during the War:
King Haakon VII's Liberty Medal
Major Stephen Ayshford SANFORD (23068), 3rd The King's Own Hussars, Royal Armoured Corps
His regimental obituary may be viewed HERE.
The sword with the large regulation large bowl guard of steel and well decorated, with areas of light pitting and loss to the original plating, and could be polished bright if desired. The interior is discoloured, and filled with dust and grime, and would benefit from a clean. The distinctive chequered pommel with lower stepped section with laurel wreath decoration is also in good condition.
The grip has been blacked at some point, with some areas of loss and wear, as might be expected, but is in generally good condition overall, and is bound with twistwire. The hilt retains its original sword knot.
The single fullered blade bears the Wilkinson Sword marking at the ricasso, and the other displays the "best" proof hexagonal slug. The spine carries the serial number. The blade is plated, and I suspect this was done as an optional extra at the time of purchase. It is particuarly well decorated with floral etching, with George V crowned cypher, royal coat of arms, and carries the Sanford crest of a hunting bird.
The blade is generally very bright, and the etching is largely crisp and easily visible, with some old grease/dirt in places.
Housed in its original plated dress scabbard. with twin hanging rings. Generally good condition with a similar loss of plating as to the hilt.
Attributable Great War cavalry officers swords are getting harder to come across, this is an excellent opportunity to acquire an original, with excellent opportunities for further research into the original owner.
A digital copy of the Wilkinson proof book page for this sword will accompany the sale.
Strictly over 18's only. Photo ID will be required before this item can be dispatched. Please send this at the time of ordering, to prevent unnecessary delay in your order being dispatched.
