Northwestern Europe, England, Sheffield, WWI era, ca. early 20th century CE. A handsome infantry officer's sword with an engraved steel blade, brass guard, ray skin grip, and original wooden and leather sheath, all made by the Hawksworth company. The sword is engraved with the name of the owner and his regiment: "THF ROBERTS / 12 BATT. CHESHIRE REGT." The ricasso is also marked "HAWKSWORTH / SHEFFIELD." The name is surrounded by scrolling foliate and the "GRV" insignia for King George V. The sword is for thrusting; the straight blade is thick and blunt on both edges. The swooping knuckle guard is quite ornate and has a leather cord with pinecone shaped tassel. The grip is made from stingray skin, and highly polished. Despite the decorative elements, this sword was used in combat, and carried into battles during beginning of WWI. Officers were later banned from using them, because the distinctive guard clearly marked them as high-ranking targets. Size in sheath: 40" L x 5.5" W (101.6 cm x 14 cm); blade: Size: 31.5" L x 1" W (80 cm x 2.5 cm)

T.H.F. Roberts (1897 to 1915) was a British second lieutenant who served abroad during World War I with the Cheshire Regiment and killed in action in Ypres, Belgium.

Provenance: ex-private Arcadia, California, USA collection; ex-Bonhams, San Francisco, California, USA, "Antique Arms and Armor and Modern Sporting Guns," lot 5030, 20 June 2006

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#164617

Blade has some areas of dark patina and scuffs, but engravings are very clear. The guard has some patina and weathering. The leather has some cracking and discoloration, but intact. The sheath is very good. Some scuffs to leather near tip and cracking to leather strap, but intact and the initials are clear. Comes with protective modern cloth case.