Code: 11857
A scarce early presentation sword to the Royal Air Force.
This example being a George V Infantry Officers Sword of 1897 pattern. The RAF would not recieve thier own dedicated pattern of sword until 1925.
"PRESENTED TO LIEUT A TUBERVILLE RAF BY THE "ORB" WORKMEN, NEWPORT, MON AUG 5TH 1919."
The serial number 57074 on the spine corresponds to the sword dating from mid 1919.
The ORB Steelworks opened in 1898, and at its height employed over 3000 people. It remained in business for 122 years until its closure in 2020.
It would seem likely that Lieutenant Tuberville worked at the steel works, and as a local boy done good, or a popular employee, the men of the steel works clubbed together and purchased the newly minted officer a sword.
The men were generous, as this example carries the hexagonal Wilkinson proof slug, denoting the very best quality that Wilkinson of Pall Mall offered.
I've not been able to find a huge amount about Lieutenant Tuberville and his service. He is mentioned on an RFC index list, but that is about it. There is also another on the same list, with the same initial and the surname "Tuberfield" so that may be the cause of the confusion. I shall leave it up to the new owner to put in the research and unravel the mysetery.
What is certain is that provenanced early RAF swords do not come up frequently, and with connections to Wales and her bygone Steel Industry, this represents a scarce oppotunity for the RAF collector.
This example comes in good, untouched condition. The 1897 Pattern hilt bearing the Royal Cypher of King George V. It looks to have been plated at some point in its working life, although I would say it was done after presentation, and the top nut looks to have been removed, albeit a long time ago. The grip of shagreen bound with twistwire. All complete, although it could do with restaining.
The blade with Wilkinson maker details and proof slug to either ricasso, and serial number to the spine. The single fullered 32.5 inch blade bearing the presentation panel, along with floral etched decoration, crowned GV cypher and royal coat of arms to either side of the blade.
The blade in good condition, mainly bright with some old areas of staining, and the whole sword would benefit from a light clean and polish to bring it back to its best.
Housed in its original brown leather field service scabbard. Good overall condition, the retaining strap absent. It would also benefit from a feed and polish.
An interesting sword, worthy of further research.
Strictly over 18's only. Photo ID will be required before this item can be dispatched.
