EL6231 - An Edwardian 1897 pattern infantry officer's sword, retailed by Hawkes and with Wilkinson's trade slug. The guard is silver-plated rather than the usual nickel. This sword was sold with provenance as belonging to two officers:
1) Major Reginald Ramsay Wingate of the Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry. Commissioned into the 5th Battalion DCLI at Bude Cornwall in 1909, proceeded to France at the outbreak of the WWI, one of the 'Old Contemptibles’. Captain 1916, Mentioned In Despatches Dec 1917. Brigade-Major in France in 1917. 1919 to India with the 2/D DCLI, appointed Adjutant Indian Auxiliary Force. Major in 1928. He was in the same action at Wulverghens (1914) that Bandsman Rendle of the DCLI was awarded the Victoria Cross. Retired 1936. The sword was later passed to his son:
2) Major Reginald Eric Lennard Wingate, C.B.E., TD, Devonshire Regiment 1939-1946. Eric Wingate (1921-1989), born Chittagong to Major Reginald Ramsay Wingate, DCLI. TA, Officer Cadet Corp, St Edward's School, Oxford. Commissioned into the 4th Bt. Devon Regt 1939. Intelligence Officer. Sniper Instructor. Tops marks in class. Saw action in France, Holland, Germany. Mentioned in Despatches. After VE Day volunteered for posting in the Far East. Promoted to major and Sent to Ceylon, Singapore and finally Dep Asst. QMG (Movements) in N.E Indies (Indonesia) fighting the Japanese. Awarded the Military M.B.E for Gallantry. Demobbed in 1946.
The sword itself is in good condition, with a bright blade of slightly narrower than normal proportions, sharpened for service (there is a very slight bend near the tip, but it is subtle). The hilt, silver plated, is in good bright condition, with minimal bubbling of the plating in places. The shagreen with a very little bit of loss and the silver grip wire also with a thin strand missing.
Contained in its leather field service scabbard and with its good quality leather travel case (with G.W.R. train tickets glued on!).
