Patent Hilt Royal Artillery Sword MC & Bar Winner

An 1821 pattern Royal Artillery Officers sword, with patent hilt, produced by Henry Wilkinson.

The sword of Brigadier Henry Charles Hamilton Eden CBE MC&Bar.

Henry was born in Durham on the 12th March 1889, and was educated at Rugby School. After graduating the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich, He joined the Royal Horse Artillery in 1909.

fought in the First World War. and was awarded the Military Cross and later a bar.

He was propmoted to Lieutenant Colonel and appointed as commanding officer of the 88th (2nd W Lancs) Field Brigade, Royal Artillery between 1936 and 1938. In 1939 he was posted to the 51st Highland Division.

At the outbreak of WW2 he was part of the British Expeditionary Forces, serving with the 51st Highland Division in France. He was captured at on the 12th of June 1940 at St Valery, and was interned for the rest of the War.

Whilst in captivity his son, Lieutenant Michael Charles Eden, was serving with 4th Parachute Squadron, Royal Engineers and took part in the Battle of Arnhem, during Operation Market Garden. Sadly Michael was killed on 21 September 1944, aged 22 years old and is buried at Oosterbeek War Cemetery, Arnhem.

He was mentioned in despatches on the 20th December 1945 "for gallant and distinguished services in the field". This was infact for services whilst a prisoner of war. He recomendation is included in the images of this listing.

He was invested as a Commander, Order of the British Empire (C.B.E.) in 1945, in connection his service with the 51st Highland Division, prior to his capture.

He died on the 17th of November 1963 at the General Hospital in Poole, Dorset.

His sword, which dates to 1908. is fitted with the regulation 1821 pattern Artillery officers guard, with stepped pommel and chequered backpiece. The chequered slab grips, running the full width of the tang. Bound with replacement twistwire, and now with a small chip/crack to one grip.

Both the hilt, and the 35 inch single fullered blade have been plated at some point in its working life, likely when the original owner was promoted to field rank.

The sword is carries Wilkinson's details and hexagonal "best proof" slug to either ricaaso. The blade carries the initials of the orginal owner within an etched panel "H.C.H.E." along with the feathered lighting bolts and "Royal Artillery" crowend royal coat of arms, George V cypher, and a field gun.

The etched detail visible under the plating, The blade has been service sharpened.

Housed in its original field service leather scabbard with plated chape. In good overall condition, with period reinfocement to the drag.

A good example of a scarce patent hilt to a gallant career soldier who fought in both world wars, with plenty of scope for further research.

Strictly over 18's only. Photo ID will be required before this item can be dispatched. Please send this at the time of ordering, to prevent unnecessary delay in your order being dispatched.