Tower Hamlets Engineers Sword

The 1857 Pattern Tower Hamlets Engineers Sword of Henry Eugene De Meric (1849-1920)

His father Victor De Meric (1811-1876) was a noted surgeon, and there is good information about him and the family HERE

Henry followed in his fathers footsteps:

ROYAL COLLEGE OF SURGEONS OF ENGLAND.- "The following gentlemen,
having undergone the necessary examinations for the diploma,
were admitted members of the College at a meeting of the Court of Examiners, on November 16th 1871

De Meric, Henry Eugene, Brook Street, Grosvenor Square (King's College)

16 December 1871

De Meric, Henry Eugene, Esq., appointed Junior House-Surgeon to the Royal Free Hospital."

He wrote several medical books, including a "Dictionary of Medical Terms" in 1899.

He must have joined the Tower Hamlets Engineer Volunteers during the 1870's, and became thier Regimental Surgeon. He was still serving with them in the 1890's and perhaps beyond. I shall leave further research to the new custodian.

The sword in good untouched condition, the hilt of 1857 Pattern for officers of the Royal Engineers. This in good condition, free from any serious deformation, some minor dings and scratches, and retaining good definition to the acanthus leaf decoration. Fully chequered pommel, the backpiece with chequered thumb rest. The grips bound in shagreen and copper twistwire with some wear but no loss. There is a small amount of movement in the grip/guard area.

The single fullered 32 inch blade marked at the ricasso "Hawkes & Co, London Manufacturers to the Queen" below their Royal coat of arms trademark. The other ricasso containing a proof slug with "P" which would indicate manufacture by Pillin, who is known to have supplied Hawkes with swords.

Above the proof is an etched banner containing the name "H. DE MERIC ESQ" Higher still is foliate engraving with the feathered wings and lighting bolts of the Engineers. To the other side is the Castle badge surmounted with "2nd Tower Hamlets Engineer Volunteers". 

The blade is mostly clean and bright, with some old areas of light rust and grease/varnish. Most of the blade etching is now quite faint, with the exception of the named banner, but all remains legible in the right light/angle.

Housed in a brass scabbard with twin hanging rings and side loop. Good overall condition, with minor dings/dents. This would denote that De Meric reached the rank of Major, or above. 

The sword will be sold with some digital records of his association with the 2nd Tower Hamlets Engineers.

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