A PAIR Of Swords To The 7th Surrey Rifle Volunteers

A rare opportunity to purchase a pair of swords, a levee presentation sword and a full sized "fighting" sword to an officer of the 7th Surrey Rifle Volunteers.

The levee sword of 1827 pattern by Cater&Co 56 Pall Mall London is regimentally etched "7th S.R.V" with crowned VR, strung bugle, family crest above the initials "W.C.KC." along with the presentation inscription:

"Presented to Captain William C Knight Clowes 7th Surrey Rifle Volunteers by the members of his company as a slight mark of their appreciation of his officer-like and courteous conduct March 1865."

The sword in in generally very good condition, with some small losses to the shagreen grip. Housed in its correct steel dress scabbard with twin hanging rings. Blade length 32.5 inches.

The larger 1827 pattern Rifle officers sword, carries no makers marking. It has a good "fighting" style hilt and blade, and is etched in a similar style to the levee sword, with family crest, initials, crowned VR 7th Surrey and "Rifle Volunteers" surmounting a strung bugle. The shagreen grip is near complete. Housed in its correct steel dress scabbard with twin hanging rings. Blade length 32.5 inches. Like its partner, the sword is generally in very good condition, with only very minor loss to the shagreen, some staining and light rust. 

William Charles Knight Clowes (1838–1917) was born on July the 28th 1838. He rose to the rank of Major in the 7th Surrey Rifle Volunteers before resinging his comission. He then became a partner in a successful family printing company, Clowes&Clowes, latterly William Clowes Ltd, based in London and Beccles, Suffolk. The firm is still in business today. He died on November the 19th, 1917, aged 79, and is buried in Bromely Churchyard. His son George won a DSO with the 14th Battalion London Regiment during WW1.

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