Mervyn Mitton

There is a new post on an early British General's sword under our Edged Weapons Forum. Some members may find this of some interest ? Mervyn

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---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Click to Enlarge) The US Marines were the first to introduce this pattern of sword - known as the Mameluke. They still use it for officers today. Napoleon had invaded Egypt in the early 1800's and in turn the British sent an Army to evict him. The officers of both armies liked this curved sword which had been in use with both the Turkish and Egyptian armies. Many British Hussar and Light Cavalry regiments adopted it - and still carry it today. Standardisation of the pattern took place in 1831 - where-as the US adopted it in 1826. British Major Generals and above had the sword as their Dress and Levee pattern from this date and again, it is still in use to the present. Having been in use for 181 years , there is not a great shortage of them. However, there are not a lot of early ones in good condition. I rate this one as being in good condition - the blade is clean and has excellent engraving around Queen Victoria's Cypher 'VR'. Beneath this is a generals badge of crossed sword and baton. Repeated on both sides. The crossed sword and baton is again repeated on the centre panel of the gilt cross bar . William 4th was King from 1830 to 1837 and was noted for changing the rounded top of King Edward's Crown to have more angular sides. Queen Victoria continued this, but they were later changed to have the more rounded shape. I feel that this allows us to date the sword between 1837 and the 1850's. There are no markings to trace the original owner and with Queen Victoria's 'little wars' no shortage of generals . We must also remember that many Colonial Governors and Ambassadors were retired generals.

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Thankyou for that link - I will certainly use-it. Hopefully , it will help other members interested in that period. Mervyn

Mike - thankyou for posting your tin - a very nice example. I think you should report the posting slowness to Nick - he may be able to make an adjustment ? There have been a few problems recently - I occasionally find that replies will 'go missing' - although new posts enter. However, I have discovered today that one of Windows 'sneaky' up-dates has taken me up to IE 9. I saw ref. on a post of Nick's that 9 has given some trouble. Perhaps this is the cause ? Mervyn

Brian - well summed -up , at the end of the day the Japanese wouldn't have wanted them. Bernard - amazing that you knew of the Movement - and the name of the Leader. I wonder if any other details will come out ? Mervyn

The Queen Victoria tin was only for 1900. The contents varied - however, with the chocolate and wood shavings in good condition then the price can easily be near to 200 pounds. The WW1 from the Princess Royal, was again only for one year - 1914. Most people seemed to keep them medals in them. South Africa issued a yearly tin for WW2 with cigarettes - in the name of Gen. and Mrs. Smuts. There was aso a bigger tin at the beginning of the War. The UK didn't make an official issue in WW2.

Lee - I think the auction confused the two patterns. Remember, the Constabulary sword dates from the 1750's. Perhaps this throws some doubt on the origins of both pieces ? I am showing a picture of the 1805 pattern for the Bow Street Horser Patrol. You will see the appointment to the King along the blade. http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_07_2012/post-6209-0-88072900-1341763440.jpgCLICK TO ENLARGE

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