EL6714 - An absolutely top quality Wilkinson Patent Solid Hilt 1896 pattern cavalry officer's sword (numbered 36660 for 1899), etched and attributed to Lieutenant John Fairfax Rhodes of the 2nd Dragoons (Royal Scots Greys) ( https://www.emedals.com/products/pair-lieutenant-j...
). Rhodes has been in the 1st Battalion of the Hampshire Regiment, but transferred into the illustrious Scots Greys in June 1899 and was sent out to South Africa to fight in the Second Anglo-Boer War. Sadly, he was killed in action at Klippan, near Springs, on 18th February 1902, aged 24. He was the only son of Fairfax Rhodes, of Gloucestershire, and is buried at Charlton Abbott's, near Cheltenham. There is a stained glass window in St. Andrew's Church, Sevenhampton, which reads, "To the memory of John Fairfax Rhodes Lieut. Royal Scots Greys who lost his life while serving his country in the war in South Africa Feb 18th 1902." The sword is Wilkinson's finest work, with the expensive patent solid hilt option, and only being carried for two and a half years and subsequently looked after, is in very good condition. The blade has been professionally service sharpened, for service in South Africa, and is bright with deep and crisp etching. The hilt is in equally good condition, with a little patina as expected of the age. The scabbard is sadly missing. A wonderful top quality sword, for an officer in a very sought-after and famous regiment, with more research to be done.
