Special Order Wilkinson, 1910 with Toledo blade

[Will M]

Here is an interesting cavalry officers sword dates to 1910. Acuthus guard with leather finger loop. The 35 1/8" blade is the Toledo pattern with etching for more than 3/4 of the blade length.
Definitely a forerunner to the 1912p cavalry officer sword.
I have not figured out what the initials are but when I receive the Wilkinson proof page it should have a name recorded..

[MacCathain]

Nice find, Will. Did you get a scabbard with it?

M

[fernando]

Hello Will,
So it is a 'modern' sword with a Toledo blade but: isn't that escutcheon on the ricasso a typical British proof mark ? .

[David R]

Originally Posted by fernando

Hello Will,
So it is a 'modern' sword with a Toledo blade but: isn't that escutcheon on the ricasso a typical British proof mark ? .

"Toledo" was a style of blade offered by Wilkinson in their catalogue.

[RobertGuy]

The acanthus guard would indicate a Royal Engineers officer. I think the grip does look like it is based based around the 1912 cavalry officers sword but I would suggest it is may not be a precursor but could have been was specifically adapted from the cavalry sword. I think you have a sword that belonged to an engineer who had strong ideas as to what makes a good sword.

[Will M]

British cavalry officers in India used this pattern of hilt. By Monday I should have the officers name which will answer questions. Unfortunately no scabbard.

[fernando]

Originally Posted by David R

"Toledo" was a style of blade offered by Wilkinson in their catalogue.

Thsnk you for the enlightening, David.
We very seldom discuss swords as late as from the 20th. century in here.

[MacCathain]

The hilt furniture for Engineer's swords was typically brass, though I seem to recall once seeing a steel version mated with a blade that was etched to the REs.

This guard in steel was also used by some Scottish regiments (Black Watch, HLI, Seaforths, A&SH) on their Field Officer's swords. Were I a betting man, I'd guess Will's sword was owned by one of these.

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by David R

"Toledo" was a style of blade offered by Wilkinson in their catalogue.

David thank you for that note! I had not thought of the fact that Wilkinson did offer 'styles' with brand type names, and that 'Toledo' would be one of such offerings. The idea of a fabrica en Toledo blade on an unusual pattern British officers sword was an intriguing red herring though

As Fernando has noted, we don't often have swords of 20th century in the discussions, but it is always fascinating to see the traditions, lore and styles carried forth in these weapons.

Interesting note Will, as well on these type hilts on these swords used in India, and indeed an unusual pattern.
While these swords were 'modern' by the numbers of swords of much older times most often discussed, it is notable that they were used in combat situations, in this case regarding the British examples.

The British did carry the M1908 troopers and M1912 officers swords in WWI, and I recall reading in James Lunt's "Charge to Glory" book about the British commanding officer on campaign in Palestinian areas, named Allenby. I think the quote was something like ' you may go without your breeches, but you damn well will not go without your sword!!!. to the troops.
If I recall these were entirely covered in leather, over the full bowl of the hilt, to prevent telltale glint as well as protect from heat.

As I have told here before, the British Brigadier, Gen. Francis Ingall, that I once talked with after he wrote his memoirs, "Last of the Bengal Lancers", showed me the M1912 officers sword (which was of standard form) that he carried in the mounted charge on the Khyber plains in 1931. This was among the number of 'last' mounted cavalry charges of the 20th century, I believe the last was in WWII in a location near Burma (I think the name was Toungoo) in about 1942.

[kronckew]

i always remember col. 'mad jack' churchill, in ww2, a commando who not only walked ashore in norway with his basket hilted broadsword in hand, but had his piper playing behind him. he also stated that "Any officer who goes into action without his sword is improperly dressed." he captured 42 germans using his sword.

he also had the distinction of the last confirmed combat kill with an english longbow, skewering a german sergeant..

[Will M]

The sword is recorded as being sold to F.W. Bevile.

Special Scroll Gds. 7' Hrs Grip 35 " special blade. Sold 17 May 1910.

[Will M]

The sword is a 7th Hussars officers pattern and can be seen worn on a statue of Sir Douglas Haig, he is mounted with sword attached to horseshoe pouch.

Now just have to find F.W. Bevile in relation to the 7th Hussars!

[Will M]

Noted as scroll guard and 7th Hussars grip. It may have been made for another person possibly in the family with the "B"initial, I can't make out what the other initials are in the etching.
I think I'll have to remove known letter "B" and see what's left.

Thanks to Gordon who pointed out the initials are F.W.B.

[Will M]

No luck finding F.W. Bevile, remaining elusive.

[Jim McDougall]

Originally Posted by Will M

No luck finding F.W. Bevile, remaining elusive.

Try National Army Museum, London. They have regimental records.