EL6930 - An Edwardian 1896 pattern cavalry officer's sword by Wilkinson, numbered 42129 (made in 1909) for Richard S. T. Moore of the 12th Lancers. The blade carries the regimental emblem in addition to the standard etching. In average condition overall and in need of gentle restoration and cleaning. Moore was born in 1885 in Killashee, Naas, Co. Kildare, Ireland, he commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant in the 12th Lancers in 1909 (when he purchased this sword), promoted to Lieutenant in 1914. He fought on the Western Front in WW1, taking part in various actions, was wounded in action against the Germans (see attached newspaper report) and made a Prisoner of War by the Germans in 1915. The sword has been service sharpened for active service and shows the signs of an active life! It would greatly benefit from cleaning. There are areas of light pitting and patina to the blade, but most of the etching is deep and clear. The blade is firm in the hilt. The guard and back piece need cleaning up and are quite dark currently, and there is a little bit of a dent to the guard. The shagreen is all present, though a little shrunk at the bottom, and some of the silver grip wire is missing. The field service scabbard is broken as pictured and requires repair. This is a worthy restoration project and it should clean up very well with care, and the sword is all structurally sound. There is no doubt lots more research to be done on Lieutenant Moore, and this is a top quality Wilkinson of the time, regimentally etched.
