1895 Infantry Officers Sword With Patent Hilt Colonel White

The 1895 Pattern Infantry Officers Sword of Colonel H.P.M. White.

Harold Philip Muir White was commisioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in June 1895 with the 3rd York and Lancaster Regiment, before transferring to the Norfolk Regiment as a 2nd Lieutenant in March 1897. He was promoted Lieutenant in November 1898, and Captain in March 1906, by which time he was serving with the 47 Sikhs.

He seems to have served during WW1 firstly training troops at Meerut, before joining the Supply and Transport Corps as a Major. I have found another reference to him retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1927. I've only really scratched the surface of his career, and there is plenty more to be uncovered. It seems likely that he saw active service on the North West Frontier.

The sword is fitted with the short lived 1895 Pattern Infantry Officers hilt, which bears the crowned royal cypher of Queen Victoria. Domed pommel and fully chequered backstrap. The grip of Gutta Percha bound with silver twistwire, which is all complete and in very good condition. Some areas of loss to the plated finish. The hilt is fitted with its original brown leather sword knot.

The 32.5 inch single fullered 1892 pattern blade with etched with Wilkinson's details to one ricasso, HW proof slug to the other. The blade bearing twin vacant panels and is further decorated with foliate etching, royal coat of arms, and crowned VR cypher. The blade has been service sharpened, and does have a slight bend at the very point, likely from an errant thrust. The blade is generally bright, with some minor areas of staining. 

Housed in it's original leather covered wood field service scabbard. The drag has a slight "fold" as is common with this pattern. 

A very good example of a scarce Patent hilted officers sword by the best possible maker, to a career soldier with room for further research. Sold with a digital copy of the Wilkinson Sword Proof Book ledger for this sword, confirming its provenance.

Strictly over 18's only. Photo ID will be required before this item can be dispatched. Please send this at the time of ordering, to prevent unnecessary delay in your order being dispatched.