Militaria Zone

Dealer Information

Dealer: Great Scott Antiques
Location: Hampshire, United Kingdom
Tel: 07824445058
Email: chris@greatscottantiques.com

RAMC Presentation Sword DSO Winner

SOLD

Code: 11716

Website: https://www.militariazone.com/swords/ramc-presentation-sword-dso-winner/itm41142

A scarce Royal Army Medical Corps officers Presentation Sword. 

This sword was "Presented to Capt Walker RAMC (T.F.) Sept 6th 1913" - "From The Gillingham (Dorset) Men & Women's Red Cross Voluntary Aid Detatchment" These details are attractively etched within two panels to each side of the blade.

Undoubtedly the sword of Major Arthur Walker, DSO. 

He was awarded the Distinguished Service Order for Conspicuous Gallantry and Devotion to Duty in September 1918. His citation in the London Gazette reads:

"Captain and Brevet Major Arthur Walker R.A.M.C. He established forward dressing stations and continued to to work in them until forced to move by the immediate proximity of the enemy. He was repeatedly working in the open under heavy fire, no protection being available. He undoubtedly saved meany lives which would have been lost but for his courage and initiative."

Post war Major Walker was influential in setting up the Gillingham Branch of the Comrades of the Great War, serving as the first Commandant. He was also responsible for procuring the old Red Cross hospital hut for use by the Comrades as a meeting place, and sought permission to find a suitable location for the hut to stand on. This hut is still in use by the Gillingham Royal British Legion.

Dr Arthur Walker, of Harwood House, died of the 4th of February 1939. 

The sword itself is in very good untouched example. Special pattern RAMC brass hilt of 1822 type, with crowned George V royal cypher, chequered backpiece and domed pommel. A slight upturn to the outer guard, but otherwise very good. The shagreen grip is complete, although slightly grubby, and any twistwire binding it may have had is now absent.

The 32.5 inches blade etched with the aforementioned presentation panels, plain ricasso with no makers details, but brass proof slug with fleur de lys to the other ricasso. The blade attractively etched with foliate decoration, the Royal coat of arms and crowned George V royal cypher. The blade generally bright and clean, with some small areas of light staining which could be improved. Serial number to the blades spine.

Housed in its correct brown leather Sam Browne pattern field service scabbard, fitted with its original sword frog. The scabbard in good condition overall, with some minor scuffs, and flecks of white emulsion!

These special pattern swords of the RAMC is quite scarce, but presentation examples particuarly so.

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