This Wilkinson sword is numbered in their 1920 register to Richard Straker, who served in WW1 in the 12th Lancers and won the MC in 1917 or 18. Educated at Eton 1910-14, gazetted 2nd Lieutenant on 12.5.1915 straight from Sandhurst, he was awarded the OBE in 1923 and at one point served as aide de camp to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland.
Later Straker served in the Northumberland Hussars (Yeomanry). A copious folder of biographical details, culled from various sources including the regimental war diary, accompanies this sword. He was wounded in November 1918 in the last action the regiment fought in the Great War.
This sword has the parade scabbard in steel, the nickel silver finish being somewhat worn as is also the inside of the bowl guard. In this latter case, there is some minor surface rust. The outside of the bowl guard still has quite a good nickel silver finish and the fishskin grip is in good shape, with its original silver wire. The blade has lost its original polish, but the engraving is still clear and quite sharp. The blade has been sharpened for combat.
If you want to comment on this item—re quality, age, etc—please email me.
[Edged Weapons : Swords : British : 20th Century]
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