A BRITISH PATTERN 1854 GRENADIER GUARDS OFFICER'S SWORD

A BRITISH PATTERN 1854 GRENADIER GUARDS OFFICER'S SWORD
BY HENRY WILKINSON, PALL MALL, LONDON, SERIAL NO. 27283, CIRCA 1885
With single-edged fullered blade double-edged towards the tip etched with battle honours including 'SUAKIN 1885', crowned 'VR' cypher and the Grenadier Guards badge, steel 'Gothic' hilt retaining traces of original plated finish and with pierced regimental badge (possibly for the 3rd Battalion), original wire-bound shagreen-covered grip, leather-bound cord for a sword-knot, and a steel scabbard retaining some original plated finish
33 in. (83.8 cm.) blade (2)

Capt. the Hon. Richard FitzRoy Somerset (1866-1899), the fifth son of Richard, 2nd Baron Raglan.

Specialist note

The Hon. Richard FitzRoy Somerset (1866-1899) was commissioned into the Grenadier Guards on 18 August 1886. His diaries for 5 February 1898-19 February 1899, whilst he was Adjutant of the 2nd. Battalion West African Frontier Force, were published. He was awarded the East and West Africa Medal with one clasp for 1897-8 (see lot 240). He died on 2 March 1899.