NAM.2001-04-270-1

Mameluke-hilted presentation sword, 1857. Manufactured by Landon, Morland and Landon, London, 1857 (c). Ivory grips with carved ivy design. Possibly silver gilt hilt. Silver gilt lion head pommel. Curved flatback steel blade decorated with leafy design and engraved inscription Presented to Maj (later Gen Sir) Frederick Francis Maude (1821-1897) VC on 5 Mar 1856, for gallant conduct, Siege of Sevastopol, 8 Sep 1855, Crimean War (1854-1856). From the collection of the former Buffs Regimental Museum. Maude commanded the 3rd (The East Kent) Regiment of Foot (The Buffs) in the assault on the Redan on 8 Sep 1855. When the storming parties broke into the fortification, he and a small party penetrated the farthest, taking up an advanced position down the left side of the Redan. Only when dangerously wounded and all hope of support had receded did he retire. On its institution Maude was awarded the Victoria Cross ('London Gazette', 24 Feb, 1857). He later became a general, serving in India before retiring in 1885. Although Maude was born in Armagh, his father was Rector of Enniskillen from 1825 to 1860. On his return to Britain, and following his promotion to lieutenant-colonel, he was presented with this sword by the town of Enniskillen. Such swords were often presented by towns to famous sons and were usually supplied by military tailors or sometimes jewellers. The Mameluke hilt and curved blade was a favourite style for presentation swords.

Sevastopol, Siege of, 1854-55 (Crimean War 1854-1856)