EL6768 - An excellent Wilkinson 1896 pattern cavalry officer's sword, with the Patent Solid Hilt, for a named officer of the 14th's King's Hussars. The sword, numbered and dated to 1911 (see Wilkinson proof record attached), was purchased for Peter Geoffrey Cropper. Cropper saw extensive service during WW1, particularly during the Mesopotamia Campaign, and was Mentioned in Despatches. In August 1915 he is recorded as serving with the Army Cyclist Corps. Cropper was a keen sportsman and rider, and having survived the War, sadly died as a result of a riding accident while hunting (his horse fell on him) in February 1924, and he is buried at Cheltenham Cemetery. This sword has been service sharpened and was surely the weapon he mobilised with in 1914 when war was declared. There is plenty of research still to do on this active and interesting cavalry officer. The sword is in excellent condition, with Wilkinson's coveted full width Patent Solid Hilt, and bright deeply etched blade. Everything is tight and firm, the only defects worth mentioning being the lack of wire to the grip (often removed on campaign if it got damaged), a few little pits in the blade, and typical wear to the scabbard and sword knot. The blade with the 14th Hussars regimental devices, as well as the officer's initials and crest.
