EL6570 - A superb quality Royal Navy officer's sword by Wilkinson (retailed by Gieves), dating to 1919, featuring their expensive solid guard option (no folding section and a catch hole instead), and named to Vice Admiral Sir Harry Philpot Koelle (1901-1980). Koelle was born in Bournemouth, 16 Aug. 1901, educated at Osborne 1915 and the R.N.C., Dartmouth 1916-17. He served in the Great War (2 medals), sailed with H.R.H. the Prince of Wales in H.M.S. Renown on his tour to America. He was promoted Lieut. Cmdr. 16 Aug. 1931. He was made a Knight Commander, Order of the Bath (K.C.B.). The sword itself is Wilkinson's top quality of the time, with a more robust guard than the standard folding 1827 pattern, devised in the Victorian era for combat. The sword is in excellent condition overall, except for the tip of the blade, where moisture has gathered in the chape and caused surface rust and staining. This could however be restored, as it is localised at the tip. There are a few other patches of rust damage on the blade, but these are mostly small and the rest of the blade is bright with fantastic etching. The hilt and even sword knot are in excellent condition and everything is solid and tight. The scabbard is also excellent.
