EL6324 - A wonderful Wilkinson Royal Engineers officer's sword, attributed to a highly decorated officer. The blade numbered 29855 (made in 1889), the hilt was updated to the new infantry regulation pattern between 1897 and 1901. The blade carries the initials C. W. S. for Brigadier General Charles William Singer, C.B. C.M.G D.S.O. Royal Engineers. He was born 3 July 1870, the son of Admiral Morgan Singer. He served on the NW Frontier from 1897-8 (Medal with 2 clasps), and was at Tirah 1897-8, taking part in the actions of Chagru Kotal and Dargai (clasp). Married 1898 in Lewisham. In 1903 he is recorded as becoming an instructor at the Royal Military Academy. He saw service in WW1 and was awarded the D.S.O. in March 1915 (as a Major R.E.). In May 1917 he is recorded as gazetted to the rank of Brigadier General. In 1924 he is recorded as Colonel and Chief Engineer in Egypt. He is recorded in the 1916 and 1924 Birthday Honours lists and he died in Winchester on 10 December 1936, where he is buried in Magdalen Hill Cemetery. The sword itself is superb, with a robust Wilkinson blade, featuring very detailed etching, in good condition except for a couple of very small areas of rust, which could be carefully treated. Otherwise the blade is excellent, with original polish and frost etching. It is firm in the hilt and has been well and professionally service sharpened, presumably both for action on the North-West Frontier and later at the beginning of WW1. The hilt is in excellent condition, with bright plating and a very tidy grip. It is complete in a matching field service scabbard, which is also in good condition. An outstanding and rare sword, to a great officer.
