Irish Officers Sword

The fascinating and unique sword of Major Roger Edward Fitzgerald-Lombard (1879-)

Originally commissioned into the Dublin City Artillery, and transfering into the Royal Artillery in 1900, Fitzgerald Lombard would have required an 1821 pattern Royal Artillery officers sword, and this example, which is still bearing the RA motto and insignia, was subsequently fitted with the 1827 pattern Rifle Officers gothic guard when the owner served with the Rifle Brigade. The blade bears the name and family crest of "R.E.Fitzgerald-Lombard" and he has had the forward section of the blade etched with two further panels, detailing some of his service career. Oddly, his other exploits have not been added. This can all be corroborated and expanded upon by the entry, below.

Taken from Thom's Irish Who's Who:

"FITZGERALD-LOMBARD, Major Roger Edward, J.P., Co. Dublin, late of South Hill. Co. Dublin; B.M.A., B.A.I. (B.E.), Barrister-at-Law, F.S.C.; son of the late James Fitzgerald-Lombard, J.P. Co. Dublin, M.R.I. A., a Chevalier of the Legion of Honour, of South Hill, Co. Dublin, and his second wife, Sarah, dau. of the late Professor Michael Barry, Barrister-at-Law. Is a military-chevalier of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre. Educ.: Clongowes Wood, Co. Kildare, and Dublin University. Entered regular army as University candidate; served Royal Artillery, subsequently served 5th Batt. The Rifle Brigade, 11th West Riding Regt, and commanded 2nd-4th Batt. Northumberland Fusiliers.

South African War, 1899-1902, Queen's medal with four clasps; 1914-1918 War, British War Medal. After invaliding, served under Admiralty on Staff; Director of Naval Ordnance, May, 1917-March, 1919; then in Ministry of Pensions, and in Rhineland under S.D.S. War Office. Entered H.M.'s Civil Service (temporary "first-grade") 1920; on Councils Irish Forestry Society and Vacant Land Cultivation Society (London). Served Council Catholic Soldiers' Association, 1913-1921, and Irish Committee, Society of Genealogists. m. 1905, Maud, dau. of A. F. Pitel, Esq., of Duforest and Pitel, London Stock Exchange, of Wintons, East Croydon. Issue two sons, five daus. Recns. (among others): cricket, golf, tennis, racing, and has travelled greater part France, Belgium, Holland, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Portugal, N. and S. Africa. Res. 9 Corrig Avenue, Kingstown, Co. Dublin. Club: Junior Army and Navy, S.W.1."

The sword, by Robert Mole& Sons, Birmingham. Beautifully etched with Crowned VR cypher, surmouted by "Royal Artillery" field gun, "Ubique" with latin motto beneath. Housed in its brown leather field service scabbard. 

A unique and well travelled sword, which has seen active service with a colourful owner.

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