This British 1897 pattern infantry officer’s sword was the property of Lieutenant Claude Cressy Horsley of the 4th Battalion “The Prince of Wales’s” North Staffordshire Regiment. The 4th Battalion (North Staffordshire Regiment) was part of 106 Brigade 35th Division. Lieutenant Horsley was injured in action at Ypres in June 1916 but returned to the front line.
Lt Horsley was killed in action at Cambrai on the 28th November 1917. He was 35 years old.
The 825mm single-edged blade is of dumbbell form with a short, central fuller on both sides and a slightly rounded spine tapering to a double-edged spear point.
The blade is in very good condition with only small spots of tarnish on the spine and towards the point. The blade is etched with foliate scroll-work surrounding a rayed Georgian crown and King George V Royal cypher. The obverse is similarly etched. The forte bears the owner’s details, C. C. Horsley. 4th Batt. North Staffordshire Regiment.
The ricasso is etched with the cutler’s details, Hobson & Sons. Lexington Street, London. The obverse ricasso bears a copper proof stud.
The steel bowl guard is of 1897 pattern and bears the royal cypher of George V and pierced foliate design. The knurled back strap has an oval pommel and rounded tang nut. The grip is in good condition as is the twisted wire binding. The blade retains its original leather washer and is firm in the hilt.
The brown leather covered field scabbard is in good condition and remains strong with all the stitching intact. The scabbard has minor use related scuffs and marks and the leather frog strap is missing. There is some minor damage to the shoe of the scabbard caused by it being stood on its end for a long period. The sword sheaths and draws smoothly and is held firmly in the scabbard.
This is a good example of a named and regimentally marked infantry officer’s sword from the Great War.
