Code: 11993
The Wilkinson Infantry officers sword of Major Charles Elmhirst Luard DSO, 1st Battalion, The Norfolk Regiment.
The 1895 Pattern Infantry Officers hilt bearing the crowned royal cypher of Queen Victoria. Domed pommel and fully chequered backstrap. The grip bound with shagreen and silver twistwire, which is all complete and in very good condition. Some areas of loss to the plated finish. The interior of the guard, whilst grubby, hides an interesting feature, being a leather finger loop, indicating that Major Luard had every intention of using his sword, if required.
The single fullered 1892 pattern blade measuring 32 inches. Wilkinson details, Prince of Wales Feathers, and "HW" proof slug to the ricassos. Serial number to the spine.
It is regimentally engraved with the badge of the Norfolk Regiment, with its original line infantry number of "IX", along with the name "Charles Elmhirst Luard" within a scroll banner. Further etched with foliate engraving, the royal coat of arms, and crowned VR cypher. The blade in very good condition, remaining mostly bright and clean. Service sharpened for the first 12 inches back from the point, perhaps reprofiled during service. The blade firm in the hilt.
Housed in a brown leather field service scabbard with steel throat and drag. The scabbard retains its original suspension strap and outwardly is in very good condition overall, with only minor scuffs. I suspect the wooden core has broken, around 14 inches up from the drag, as it has a slight "wobble". It doesn't effect the sword being drawn or sheathed, but is mentioned for completeness.
Charles Elmhirst Luard was born on 5 August 1876 in Fareham, Hampshire, the son of Major-General Charles Edward Luard.
Charles Elmhirst Luard was educated at Harrow and at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst. He was gazetted to the Norfolk Regiment on 18 November 1896 and became Lieutenant on 10 February 1898. He served in Central Africa in 1899 and in West Africa. He was severely wounded in the operations in Ashanti and, in recognition of his services, he was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order in 1901. He served in East Africa in 1903 and was promoted to the rank of Captain in 1905.
His brother, Lieutenant Eric Dalbiac Luard, also a career soldier, served with the Royal West Kent Regiment and died of enteric fever in November 1903.
His mother, Caroline Mary Luard, died on 24 August 1908, the victim of an unsolved murder. Known as the "Seal Chart Murder" She was shot and killed at an isolated summerhouse in a heavily wooded area near Igtham, Kent. This murder recieved huge international press coverage, and has since been the subject of several books, news articles, and even a documentary.
His father, Major-General Charles Edward Luard, took his own life by jumping in front of a train at Teston, Kent on 18 September 1908. Tragically, his death occured the same day that his son returned from overseas service to attend the memorial to his mother.
Major Luard married Dorothy Frances Barrett at Taunton, Somerset in 1913 and their only son, Charles William Hartley Luard, was born on 31 May 1914.
Major Charles Elmhirst Luard DSO served with the 1st Battalion Norfolk Regiment and was killed in action on 15 September 1914, during operations on the Aisne. He was last seen whilst leading his company. He was 38. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the La Ferte-sous-Jouarre Memorial in France.
Please see the following link for a photograph of Major Luard, and further details on his career, and death. Please click HERE.
An excellent quality service sword to a decorated officer with plenty of further research opportunities. It would respond well to some gentle cleaning and care.
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.
