EL6607 - An outstanding Wilkinson infantry officer's sword, numbered (for 1886) and named to Captain Nicholas Albert Lewarne of the 15th Ludhiana Sikhs, who was killed in action at Tseri Kandao Pass on 16th November 1897. Captain Nicholas Albert Lewarne, graduated as a Gentleman Cadet from the Royal Military College, Sandhurst. Commissioned as a Lieutenant into the Derbyshire Regiment/Sherwood Foresters on 25 Aug 1886. He transferred to the Indian Army and served in the 15th (Ludhiana) Regiment of Sikh Infantry. Promoted to Captain on 25 Aug 1897 (London Gazette 22 Oct 1897). He was killed in action at Tseri Kandao Pass on 16th November 1897, aged 30 years. He is also commemorated on a brass memorial plaque in St Hydroc Church, Lanhydrock House, Bodmin, Cornwall. Please see the associated newspaper extracts and images attached here, and also: https://www.iwm.org.uk/memorials/item/memorial/529...
The sword itself is a great example of a top quality infantry officer's sword of the time, with clear and deep blade etching. The blade is firm in the hilt and has been very well service sharpened. The brass guard has suffered a bit of deformation during its service life (common with these brass hilts!), but it solid and it does not functionally affect the sword at all. Sadly the scabbard is missing. Overall a good condition sword, by the best maker of the day, with the Wilkinson record shown here and the officer's initials etched clearly on the blade, with tons of research potential. A true piece of history and memorial to a fallen officer in an interesting campaign.
