This 1821 pattern Heavy Cavalry officer’s sword was made in 1887 by the Wilkinson Sword Company and belonged to Lt. Colonel Harold Platt Sykes of the 2nd Dragoon Guards (Queen’s Bays). The sword bears his initials and family coat of arms.
The sword was used during the Second Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902) by the then Captain Harold Platt Sykes who distinguished himself at the relief of Mafeking in 1900, when British forces, led by Colonel Mahon and Lord Roberts fought their way into the city and lifted the 217 day siege. Captain Harold Platt Sykes was mentioned in dispatches. Captain Sykes saw further active service at Paardeberg and in the Transvaal during the Second Boer War and commanded the Denbighshire Yeomanry during WW1.
The 880mm blade has a flat spine above a broad single fuller. The blade terminates in a 290mm double-edged spear point and is in good condition, having been refurbished. There are some small nicks along the service sharpened edge.
The blade is etched (faint in places) with trefoil and ogee arches and foliate scrollwork above the crowned cypher of Queen Victoria. The forte bears the Sykes family coat of arms and motto, “Puritas Fons Honoris,” meaning “Purity is the source of honour.” The initials HPS are etched below.
The obverse of the blade bears trefoil and ogee arches, foliate scrollwork and the rayed crown and cypher of Queen Victoria. The ricasso is etched with the makers’ details, Henry Wilkinson, Pall Mall, London. The obverse ricasso bears Henry Wilkinson’s brass proof disk. The blade spine is stamped with the Wilkinson serial number 28305, dating the sword to 1887.
The second pattern “honeysuckle” guard is in excellent condition and is complete with bullion sword knot. The part-knurled back strap is finished with a knurled oval pommel through which the tang is peened. The shagreen grip is in good condition. The original silvered copper wire strands are intact and tight. The blade is firm in the hilt.
The plated steel scabbard has twin suspension rings and is in very good condition. The sword sheathes and draws smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard.
This scarce 1821 pattern heavy cavalry officer’s sword has an excellent service provenance with the 2nd Dragoon Guards (Queen’s Bays).
