1967 ER II British Wilkinson Sword 1897 Pattern Infantry Officer’s Sword With Etched Blade Issued To A Superintendent Of The Swaziland Police Africa, Leather Covered Field Service Scabbard & Frog. Sn 21720 Sword

1967 ER II British Wilkinson Sword 1897 Pattern Infantry Officer’s Sword With Etched Blade Issued To A Superintendent Of The Swaziland Police Africa, Leather Covered Field Service Scabbard & Frog. Sn 21720 - 21720

Founded in 1907 when the African Estwani territory was under British rule, the Royal Swaziland Police Force initially consisted of 22 European officers along with 125 African Zulus, under Captain C.H. Gibson. A police training school was established in Mbabane in 1927 and a modern training college was built in 1965 at Matsapha. During the independence celebrations in 1968 King Sobhuza II renamed it into the Royal Swaziland Police Service. This is an original British1897 pattern Infantry Officer's sword with scabbard and frog which was reputedly issued to a police officer in Swaziland on his promotion to Superintendent in 1967. His career further promoted him to Senior Superintendent, a paper copy of a group photograph of the Officer (name unknown) which accompanies the sword depicts the man as a Junior Officer (top right of picture). The sword has a 32 ½” long blade with partial fullers and measures 39 ¼” overall. The blade has areas of staining consistent with age and use. The blade has foliate etched panels and Queen Elizabeth II Crown & ‘ER II’ Royal Cypher. The blade has Wilkinson Sword’s name, Royal appointment and crossed swords legend, it also has etched ordnance acceptance proof star and original leather hilt washer. The spine of the blade is numbered 91225. It has a full pierced 1897 Pattern nickel plated knuckle guard with Crown ER II device. It has a curved stepped pommel with ball top, knurled back strap for grip & fish skin grip with wire binding in very good condition. It is complete with leather covered wood field service scabbard. The scabbard has a nickel plated throat mount & is fitted with leather frog that has 2 belt loops and buckles. The price includes UK delivery. Sn 21720

£375.00