1845 Pattern Wilkinson Officers Sword

The sword of Captain Melville Raymond Portal (1856-1893).

Originally commissioned into the 3rd Hampshire Regiment, he went onto serve with the Loyal North Lancashire Regiment.

He and his brother are both commemorated on an elaborate marble memorial in Winchester Cathedral, which reads:

"Died for his country at Kampala in Uganda, while serving under his brother Gerald"

His brother, Sir Gerald Herbert Portal, CB KCMG, is commemorated on the same memorial, and is described thereon as a "Diplomatist, Administrator Explorer, who displayed in his brief career the resolution, the wisdom, and the heroic courage by which empires are build, and by which alone they are sustained".

The memorial can be viewed Here. 

They were the sons of Melville Portal (1819-1904) of Laverstoke, Overton. MP for North Hampshire, a JP, Deputy Lieutenant and High Sherrif of Hampshire.

Brass regulation hilt with VR cypher within a cartouche, some minor deforamation, and one or two dings, but generally very good. Shagreen bound with twistwire retaining good colour, and without loss. 

The 33 inch, 1845 pattern single fullered blade, by Wilkinson Sword, Pall Mall, London. Decorated with a banner cotaining the owners name and regiment, "M.R. Portal, 3rd Hants Regt". Floral etching with crowned VR cypher. The blade very clean and bright, with three edge nicks to the cutting edge. 

Housed in a bright steel dress scabbard with twin hanging rings. Some minor staining towards the drag.

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.