EL6637 - A scarce presentation sword, by Mole, to an officer of the Worcester Rifle Volunteers (dating to c.1860). The presentation reads, "Presented to Captain Watkins by the Non-Commissioned Officers and Privates of the 15th Worcestershire (Ombersley) Rifle Corps as a mark of their esteem". The 15th Ombersley ( http://www.worcestershireregiment.com/wr.php?main=...
) was part of the 2nd battalion of the Worcestershire Rifle Volunteers, and the 39 on the hilt seems to relate to the designation explained here ( https://herefordshirelightinfantrymuseum.com/histo...
- Thanks to Jay Cassidy for the explanation on this). The hilt of the sword, with 1854 Foot Guards-inspired design, features the number 39. The Captain Watkins referred to may be John Gregory Watkins. All in all, this is a sword with lots of research potential! The condition is average, with the blade generally good, except for some small nicks to the cutting edge, which was either made with a very thin edge, or had been sharpened. The blade is firm in the hilt. The hilt, as mentioned, has an unusual guard which seems to be based on the 1854 pattern foot guards design. The grip is missing some of the silver wire and a bit of the shagreen at the pommel end. The hilt and scabbard have light pitting from former rust, but have been cleaned bright.
