Great War Royal Artillery Officer's Sword with "Initials"

stephen wood · 4th October 2012, 05:13 PM

...I noticed two tiny marks on this sword - on the other side of the number. They look quite like initials - would they have been put on at Wilkinson's or by the owner? They look like ER of EB.

It was completed on 14th April 1915 for 2nd Lieutenant J B Carson MC, West Riding Battery, RHA. The battery spent 1916-1918 in the Middle East - where cavalry and horse artillery were yet playing an important role. Perhaps this would account for the service sharpening...

Many thanks.

Ibrahiim al Balooshi · 7th October 2012, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stephen wood

...I noticed two tiny marks on this sword - on the other side of the number. They look quite like initials - would they have been put on at Wilkinson's or by the owner? They look like ER of EB.

It was completed on 14th April 1915 for 2nd Lieutenant J B Carson MC, West Riding Battery, RHA. The battery spent 1916-1918 in the Middle East - where cavalry and horse artillery were yet playing an important role. Perhaps this would account for the service sharpening...

Many thanks.

Salaams stephen wood ~ 'Tis A Wilkinson indeed!
Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

asomotif · 10th October 2012, 06:55 AM

Very nice an complete sword Stephen !

The ER or EB is very roughly done. looks like owner did it.

I was suprised to see this type in commbination with RHA.
I always think of the 1908 and 1912 Cavalry swords as soon as horses appear

But this battery was serving under the Royal Field Artillery, thus the artillery pattern sword.

Quote:

1916-1918: West Riding Battery served in the Middle East as part of the 263rd Brigade RFA.

Can you share a close up of the field sharpening ?

Best regards,
Willem

Richard G · 11th October 2012, 08:15 PM

I suspect the stamped ER or EB is a Wilkinson inspector's mark.
Google "John Wilkinson Latham" and you will find he is still active in several forums and may be willing to help.
Regards
Richard

stephen wood · 17th October 2012, 06:45 PM

...many thanks for your interest.

as far as I know, Artillery Officers carried and continue to carry the variation on 1821 light Cavalry Swords. Other Ranks in the King's Troop carry the 1908.

At the Colonel's Review in June.

4th October 2012, 05:13 PM	#1
stephen wood Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 227	Great War Royal Artillery Officer's Sword with "Initials" ...I noticed two tiny marks on this sword - on the other side of the number. They look quite like initials - would they have been put on at Wilkinson's or by the owner? They look like ER of EB. It was completed on 14th April 1915 for 2nd Lieutenant J B Carson MC, West Riding Battery, RHA. The battery spent 1916-1918 in the Middle East - where cavalry and horse artillery were yet playing an important role. Perhaps this would account for the service sharpening... Many thanks. Attached Images

17th October 2012, 06:45 PM	#5
stephen wood Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 227	...many thanks for your interest. as far as I know, Artillery Officers carried and continue to carry the variation on 1821 light Cavalry Swords. Other Ranks in the King's Troop carry the 1908. At the Colonel's Review in June. Attached Images

11th October 2012, 08:15 PM	#4
Richard G Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 409	I suspect the stamped ER or EB is a Wilkinson inspector's mark. Google "John Wilkinson Latham" and you will find he is still active in several forums and may be willing to help. Regards Richard