1827 Pattern Rifle Officers Sword DSO Winner

The Gothic hilted 1827 pattern Rifle Officer's Sword of Colonel J.C.C. Perkins, DSO.

John Charles Campbell Perkins was born in London 2 April 1866, the son of Surgeon General R H Perkins of the Indian Medical Service, and Anne Bowden Campbell, of Inverneill and Ross; a direct descendant of John Perkins, the senior partner of Barclay & Perkins, Brewers.

He was educated at Stamford Grammar School, and Rossall School before joining the 4th Battalion Shropshire Light Infantry. From there he was commissioned into the Leinster Regiment in 1887; serving with the 1st Battalion in India. He joined the Indian Staff Corps, and in 1890 was posted for service with the 44th Gurkha Rifles; also serving with the 43rd Gurkha Rifles in Assam and Manipur, and later with the 10th Bengal Infantry.

From 1900 to 1903 he held conjointly appointments of Controller of Military Accounts and Field Paymaster, Indian Contingent, and was the Officer Commanding Indian Details, South Africa Force.

He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 17 June 1902], and created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 26 June 1902]: "John Charles Campbell Perkins, Captain, Indian Staff Corps. In recognition of services during operations in South Africa".  He was invested by the King 18 February 1903.

The following is an extract from Divisional Orders by Major General K Lloyd-Payne, CB, DSO, Commanding 5th (Mhow) Division, dated Mhow, the 1st March 1916: "administration. "130. Special. The General Officer commanding the Division regrets to announce the death of Lieutenant Colonel J C C Perkins, DSO, Military Deputy Auditor-General, Southern Army. Lieutenant Colonel Perkins, in the course of his tour in the Division, came to Mhow with full military honours. Entering the Service on the 16th November 1887, Lieutenant Colonel Perkins joined the Leinster Regiment, and was transferred to the Indian Army on the 8th January 1890. On the 15th February 1894, he joined the Military Accounts Department, in which he served through the South African War, for his services in which he was mentioned in Despatches and received the DSO. On the reorganization of the Military Accounts Department, he was appointed Military Deputy Auditor-General, Southern Army, on 1 April 1914, in which appointment he was serving at the time of his death.

From the very beginning of the war, Colonel Perkins was called upon to undertake a mass of extra work of a very trying nature, and did not spare himself in the performance of his duty. The General Officer Commanding is assured that all will join with him in regretting the decease of this distinguished officer, whose decease was largely attributable, if not entirely due, to his unremitting labours in connection with the war".

Colonel Perkins was fond of cricket, football and racquets, and sport of all kinds. He married (1st) Emma Victoria Augusta, daughter of General Douglas Seafield Grant, ISC (who died in 1912), and (secondly), in 1913, Charlotte Mary, daughter of Harold Beauchamp.

The sword with Steel 1827 pattern "gothic" Rifle Officers hilt with a well formed crowned strung horn, fully chequered back strap, shagreen grip bound with copper twist wire.

The 1845 pattern single fullered blade is now reduced to 31.5 inches, having been service sharpened and still carries several edge nicks along the entire length of the cutting edge. It is generally bright, and well etched with crowned VR Royal Cypher & foliage to both sides, a banner containing the owner's initials 'J.C.C.P.' with the makers proof slug, and details "E.Thurkle Maker Soho London" to either ricasso. Thurkle was based in Soho between 1877-1897, so given the blade form, and Colonel Perkin's original comission date, it seems likely to date from 1887.

Housed in its original steel scabbard with twing hanging rings.

An interesting and well used service sword, to a decorated officer, with further room for research.

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