NAM.1953-10-4-1

Pattern 1897 Infantry Officer’s sword, 1937. Blade has no edge and bears engraved decoration including the maker’s name, Wilkinson Sword Company Limited, the Royal arms, Edward VIII monogram and the owner’s initials; pierced steel shell guard; shagreen covered grip bound with wire; leather sword knot. Issued at the Royal Military College to 2/Lt W D Ritchie, who was commissioned into the 1st Bn Lincolnshire Regiment and transferred to the 3rd Battalion 9th Jat Regiment. Only five swords were made of this pattern during the reign of Edward VIII and as the King abdicated on the 11 Dec 1936 the sword was six months out of date when issued.