Heavy Cavalry Officers Sword Inniskilling Dragoons

The Heavy Cavalry Officers sword of Cuthbert Francis Dixon-Johnson, 6th Inniskilling Dragoons.

Born on the 26th September 1871, the eldest son of Cuthbert Greenwood Dixon-Johnson, a retired iron merchant and JP (1842-1899) and of Maria Grey Johnson (née Smith) (1843-1932) of ‘Oakwood’, Croft on Tees, near Darlington.

He was educated at Sandhurst before gaining his commision on the 28th of October 1891, and being promoted to Lieutenant on the 30th of August 1893. His obituary states that he fought with the 6th during the Boer war and was wounded in action.

I have found a reference to a Lieutenant Johnson of "C" Squadron the Inniskilling Dragoons leading a charge with swords resulting in the kill and capture of twenty Boers on the Welgevonden Ridges on the 12th of February 1901. (The Times history of the war in South Africa, 1899-1902 Page 172)

He was promoted to Captain, perhaps in recorgnition of the above action, on the 14th of May, 1901.

The obituary goes onto state that he greatly admired the Turkish people, and served in a Red Crecent Hospital during the Turko-Italian War.

In 1916 he authored a book called "The Armenians" printed by G. Toulmin & Sons, Ltd.

He later emigrated to Nabeul, near Tunis, where he owned orange groves, dying there in 1939.

His younger brother Charles was killed in action after being conscripted at age 40, whilst serving with the  1/7th (TF) battalion The Prince of Wales's Own (West Yorkshire Regiment) (Leeds Rifles), killed in action on 9th October 1917.

The sword itself was produced by Wilkinson of Pall Mall in September 1899 and fitted with the desirable Patent Tang.

Regulation heavy cavalry officers hilt in good untouched condition. The hilt has been painted with a khaki/sand coloured paint both inside and out. Likely done whilst on campaign in the Boer War to reduce glare. There are good traces of this remaining to the outer guard, and large amounts to the interior. Fully chequered pommel and backpiece. The finely chequered Gutta Percha grips in very good order, and bound with silver twistwire, although one full strand is now missing, leaving a loose wire.

The 35 inch, single fullered blade marked "By Appointment, Patent Solid Hilt, Wilkinson Sword, Pall Mall, London" to the ricasso, and with thier "HW" proof slug to the other.  The original owners family crest and motto are also present within a bordered panel, along with the usual floral etching with crowned VR cypher, and the royal coat of arms, The blade clean and bright, good clear etching, with some very light staining along both sides of the blade. There is also some light pitting towards the blades point. The sword has been service sharpened.

Housed in a custom made heavy brown leather scabbard, with fixed twin loops at the throat, for attachment to the saddle. The drag is covered in black animal fur which looks native to Africa, a likely indication that the scabbard was purpose made whilst on campaign. The sword has however pierced the bottom of the scabbard, likely due to the blades buff leather washer being absent. If this were present, the sword would fit perfectly. 

A very interesting service carried sword, exhibiting the unusual features of field made scabbard and painted hilt. Such provenanced examples rarely appear on the market. It will require some light cleaning to bring it back to a good collectors standard, and with the opporunity for further research.

The ensemble is completed with the original brown leather carrying case, with the initials of "C.F.J." to the lid, which is now detached.

Supplied with a digital copy of the Wilkinson Ledger page, confirming the original owner.

Strictly over 18's only. Photo ID will be required before this item can be dispatched.