1912 Patten Cavalry Officers Sword

The 1912 Pattern Cavalry Officers sword of Major Frederick Vanderstegen Drake, M.C. of the 11th Hussars. (1888-1956)

He was born in 1888, the son of John Ramsay Drake, the Mayor of Hemel Hempstead. He was educated at Eton, and the Royal Military College, Sandhurst.

Whilst serving as a Lieuenant in command of 1st troop, A Squadron, 11th Hussars he gained some notoriety for escaping from behind enemy lines after being cut off from the rest of his unit.

Details of his escape can be found HERE.

He was awarded the Military Cross in 1917.

In March 1939 he was given a comission with the RAF as a Squadron Leader in command of the 910 (County of Essex) Baloon Squadron.

His brother, Robert Flint Drake, was killed in action serving with the 10th Hussars in Novemeber 1914.

His son, Robert Michael Drake, named after his uncle, was killed in action serving as a Lieutenant with the Grenadier Guards at Salerno in 1943. 

This George V 1912 pattern cavalry officers sword come in good, untouched condition.

It was retailed by Bartels&Co, who traded at No 4 Hanover Court in Hanover Street Between 1902 and 1924. He was known to have specialised in tailoring and accoutrements for Hussars Regiments.

The large bowl guard is of steel and well decorated, having a signs of its original plated finish. The steel is free from pitting, and could be polished bright if desired. The interior is discoloured, and would benefit from a clean. The distinctive chequered pommel with laurel wreath decoration is also in good condition. The Shagreen grip is almost entirely complete, with some small areas of loss and wear, as might be expected, but is in good condition overall. There is no indication that it was originally bound twistwire, and if it was, it is now absent.

The 34.75 inch single fullered blade bears the Bartels retailers marking to one ricasso, and the the star surmounted proof slug with initial "R" on the other. This may be a late Charles Reeves Ltd mark, which were a subsidiary of Wilkinson Sword. The spine carries a serial number and "Made in England"

The blade is particuarly well decorated with floral etching, with George V crowned cypher, royal coat of arms, and the officers initials "F.V.D." to the right hand escutcheons, the other being vacant. Some light rust and light pitting towards the middle of the blade on the right hand side and at the spine in the same area. Light staining and old dirt/grease which could be improved if desired.

Housed in its original field service scabbard., which is in generally good condition with some minor scuffs and chips, and a minor bend at the drag. It would benefit from a clean, feed and polish. 

Attributable Great War cavalry officers swords are getting harder to come across, this is an excellent opportunity to acquire an original, untouched example, with excellent opportunities for further research into the original owner.

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