This rare sword has a great family history.
The blade, hilted as an 1821 Light cavalry sword was initially the property of Sir Graham Eden William Graeme Hamond – Graeme, 4th Baronet (1845 - 1920), who was an officer in the 16th (Queens Bays) Lancers. Sir Graham and his sword saw action in India with the 16th Lancers and on the Abyssinian campaign of 1868.
The sword then passed to his son; Sir Egerton Hood Murray Hamond-Graeme (1877 – 1969) who became the 5th Baronet on his fathers’ death. Sir Egerton was a Major in the Hampshire Carabiniers and had his fathers’ blade re-hilted with the regimental pattern guard of the Carabiniers. Sir Egerton also held the office of Deputy Lieutenant of the Isle of Wight and Justice of the Peace for Hampshire.
The Hamond-Graeme family had a long and prestigious history of service to Britain, beginning with the 1st Baronet, Captain Sir Andrew Snape Hamond, (1738 - 1828) who was a British naval officer and Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia from 1781 to 1782. He became Controller of the Royal Navy from 1794 until his death in 1828.
The 2nd Baronet, Admiral of the Fleet Sir Graham Eden Hamond, GCB, DL (1779 - 1862) achieved great fame during the Napoleonic Wars. The 3rd Baronet, Sir Andrew Snape Hamond-Graeme (1811 – 1874), added “Graeme” to the family name in 1873.
The title became extinct in 1969 when Major Sir Egerton, the 5th Baronet died without heirs.
The 830mm single-edged blade has a slightly rounded spine above a broad, three-quarter length fuller. The blade terminates in a 260mm double-edged spear point and was sharpened for active service. The spine of the blade bears the Hawkes & Co. serial number 1062.
The blade is etched with the battle honours; Waterloo, Talavera, Vittoria and Peninsular above the regimental badge of the 16th (Queens’ Bays) Lancers. Foliate scrollwork follows, above the deeply etched coats of arms and mottos of the Hamond and Graeme families and the owners’ initials; G. E. H.
The obverse is etched with the crowned cypher of Queen Victoria amidst foliate scrollwork. The ricasso bears the makers’ details, “Hawkes & Co., London. Manufacturers to the Queen.”
The blade is in good though slightly worn condition with small patches of cleaned pitting on one side that partially obscure the Lancers badge and regimental name.
The blade is seated firmly in the pierced acanthus scroll-work guard that bears the crossed carbines and crowned rose of the Hampshire Carabiniers. The guard is in good condition with a pale patina. The shagreen covered grip is in good condition with use related wear and the twisted silver wire is intact and tight.
The sword is complete with its polished steel scabbard. The scabbard is in good condition with minor pitting on the shoe. The sword sheathes and draws smoothly.
This is good example of a rare regimental pattern sword with a prestigious family heirloom blade.
