ELC1029 - A handsome example of the 1892/1895 pattern infantry officer's sword, the blade numbered 31835 for 1892 - the hilt obviously having been updated to the new steel guard and fully-chequered backstrap pattern in 1895. The sword belonged to Captain Francis Cochrane Loftus of the Irish regiment the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers (framed photo included). He was killed in action at the Battle of Colenso, during the Second Anglo-Boer War, on 15th December 1899. The sword features the 1892 pattern blade of 32 inches, in bright polished condition, with etched family crest and officer's initials "F.C.L". The 1895 pattern hilt with VR cypher is in good condition, with some slight bubbling of the nickel plating. The shagreen grip is in good condition and the wire is present, with a little bit of looseness to the silver wire. The hilt is firm on the tang, without movement. The steel dress scabbard with twin suspension rings is present and in overall good condition. A lovely top quality example of a rare 1892/1895 pattern sword, by the best maker of the day and with a poignant history. The framed photo included.
