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This Wilkinson sword is numbered in their 1915 register anonymously (bomb damage). However, both this and the 1920 dated 12th Lancers sword came from the Straker family and thus, by repute, is also his. This, however, has the field service leather scabbard, which is in good shape, allowing for service wear, ie horse sweat stains to the pigskin. Richard Straker, who served in WW1 in the 12th Lancers and won the MC in 1917 or 18, was educated at Eton 1910-14, gazetted 2nd Lieutenant on 12.5.1915 straight from Sandhurst, 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). He was wounded in November 1918 in the last action the regiment fought in the Great War. A copious folder of biographical details, culled from various sources including the regimental war diary, accompanies this sword. The nickel silver finish on the bowl guard has been polished down to the bare steel. The fishskin grip is a little scruffy, lifting in parts from the woodwork, but still has its original silver wire. The blade has lost its original polish, but the engraving is still relatively clear and sharp. The blade has been sharpened for combat. |