This World War One British 1897 pattern infantry sword was resented to Company Commander W. G. Gough in 1915.
The 825mm thrusting blade is of dumbbell form with a short, wide central fuller on both sides and a flat spine tapering to a spear point. The spine is stamped with the serial number 2030. The blade is beautifully and bespoke etched along its length with the Flowers of the Union, the rose, thistle and shamrock. The Scottish thistle featuring prominently. Oak leaves and acorns are also present, the whole surmounted by arches and foliate scrollwork. The crowned cypher of King George V appears in the centre of the floral band. The obverse of the blade is similarly etched and features the crowned royal coat of arms. The intricate etching is clear and deep. The forte bears a pair of thistles and the ricasso is etched with interlocking triangles, stamped in the centre with the word “PROVED.” The obverse ricasso bears a shield containing the maker’s details, C. Boyton & Son, Clerkenwell. E. C. The blade is in good condition with mild speckles of tarnish and retains its original washer. The blade is firm in the hilt.
The steel bowl guard is of 1897 pattern and bears the crowned cypher of George V amidst a pierced foliate design. The guard is engraved with the dedication,
“Presented to Company Commander W. G. Gough by the officers, NCO’s and men of platoon 16, City of London National Guard, 1915.”
The knurled back strap appears to be made from an alloy as opposed to the usual steel. Possibly a result of wartime shortages of parts and the requirement of steel for the war effort. The guard and blade blank were probably manufactured pre-war and the etching/engraving added when the order was placed. The shagreen grip is in good condition and the triple strands of twisted copper wire binding are intact.
The brown leather covered field scabbard is in relatively good condition for its age and service. The stitching is intact and tight. The frog stap is missing and there are scuffs and marks consistent with use. The throat of the scabbard is aluminium instead of the usual plated steel or German silver. Again, probably due to wartime expediency and shortages. The sword sheaths and draws smoothly and is held firmly in the scabbard.
This is a good example of a WW1 manufactured presentation sword with a beautifully etched blade quite different from the usual examples.
