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The Northumberland Artillery Sword of Sir Philip Watts

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EL6918 - A good quality late-Victorian Northumberland Artillery Volunteers officer's sword, attributed now to Sir Philip Watts: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philip_Watts_(naval_architect). Sir Philip Watts was one of the most important naval architects of the late Victorian period and early 20th century, being involved with HMS Dreadnought and many other important developments. Sir Philip was a keen militia officer, and Colonel in the Northumberland Artillery Volunteers - this being his sword. Due to the initials etched on the blade (PW) and the designation to the Northumberland Artillery Volunteers and Elswick Battery specifically, there is no doubt remaining that this was his sword. This sword has also been service sharpened and we specifically know why. During the Second Anglo-Boer War;

"the War Office had declared a policy of accepting only infantry and yeomanry volunteers for service in South Africa - Artillery was specifically excluded. However one Unit, the 1st Northumberland Royal Garrison Artillery (Volunteers) managed to persuade officialdom to make an exception and in January 1900 authority was given for it to raise a battery for the war. This Unit had a Drill Hall near the Elswick Works, and the battery based there was composed entirely of men from the factory. The battery, which was raised for active service, came almost entirely from this drill hall and was given the title of the Elswick Battery. It so happened that one of the Directors of Armstrong Whitworths was Sir Philip Watts, who was also Colonel of the 1st Northumberland R.G.A. (Vols.). As soon as Sir Philip heard that Lord Roberts had accepted the guns, he wired both Lord Roberts and Lady Meux to request that his service battery should be allowed to man them (they were originally to have been armed with 15-pdrs.). They both agreed. So in April 1900, 244 Officers and men comprising the Elswick Battery sailed for South Africa, probably the only gunners to be armed with field pieces which they themselves had made." (source: https://northumbriangunner.blogspot.com/p/boer-war... )

The sword was retailed by White of Woolwich (where the Royal Artillery college is) and was made by Pillin of London, a top maker. The 33 inch blade is in bright original polish, with crisp and clear etching. It has, curiously for volunteers, been service sharpened, but we now know why this was (see above). The hilt and steel full dress scabbard have matching dark patina, which could be polished up if desired. The hilt is absolutely firm on the tang with no movement. A fantastic sword and an amazing piece of history relating to one of Britain's most important naval architects.

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The Northumberland Artillery Sword of Sir Philip Watts
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