Royal Field Artillery Officers Sword Mons Casualty

Royal Field Artillery Officers Sword Mons Casualty

Code: 11754

SOLD

1821 Pattern Royal Artillery Officers Sword with Patent Hilt By Wilkinson Sword.

The sword of Major John Southern Maidlow. He was born on the 20th of June 1875, the son of John Mott Maidlow, a barrister. He was educated at St Paul's School, and RMA Woolwich, where he excelled in litrary work and sports, particuarly riding. He joined the Royal Artillery in June 1895, serving in Egypt and India, where he was on the Staff of the Lieutenant Governor of Bengal as ADC, and later Military Secretary, in which capacity he was a great favourite with all.

From September 1911, he spent three years in New Zealand in the organisation and training of the Artillery, where he was conspicuous in his duty, and considered a popular officer. 

He returned to England just as the war in Europe broke out, and immediately volunteered for active service. He was given command of a battery, and proceeded to France, taking part in the first battle of the campaign at Mons.

He died on the opening day of the battle on the 23rd of August 1914, being shot through the head whilst advancing on Horseback to take up a new position.

At the time of his death he was commanding 49th Battery, Royal Field Artillery.  

He was considered a fine sportsman, having done much big game shooting in India, securing some record heads of Bison and Sambur. He was keen on pig sticking, a very good polo player and a fine swimmer. He was also a successful rider, heing a lightweight he took part in many races.

An image and the Bond of Sacrifice biography of Major Maidlow can be viewed Here.

The sword with regulation hree bar 1821 pattern hilt, with semi chequered backpiece and stepped pommel. The gutta percha patent solid grip bound with silver wire binding. The hilt to a dark plum colour, with patches of old corrosion and light pitting.

A substantial sword with a blade length of 34.5 inches, which has been service sharpened, with some light edge nicks and contact markings. The size is appropriate for a mounted officer with the Royal Field Artillery.

The blade is decorated with foliate etching, the Royal Artillery feathered lighting bolts, the words "Royal Artillery" a field gun, and VR cypher above "Ubique". It also carries the etched initials of "J.S.M." within a cartouche.

The blade etching is very clear, and has an dark even patina and wear for its entire length, with small patches of old corrosion, staining and pitting. The number dates the sword to early 1895, and the spine carries a centre of percussion marking.

Housed in its brown leather field service scabbard, and retains its original frog. The body of the scabbard has some scuffs and bumps, the drag has been reinforced during its service life. It would benefit from a feed and polish, and is a perfect fit and original to the sword.

Supplied with a digital copy of the Wilkinson Ledger page, confirming the original owner. There is also a copy of a letter from Field Marshal Lord Roberts, addressed to Maidlow's widow, expressing his condolences on hearing of Major Maidlow's death.

A desirable sword, not only being a Wilkinson Solid Hilt, but also fully attributable to an early great war officer casualty.

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