ATTRIBUTED TO WW1 DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL (DSM) GALLIPOLI RECIPIENT**British Royal Navy Officer’s 1827 Pattern George VI Presentation Sword With Etched Blade By Gieves, Inscribed ‘PRESENTED BY MARTINS BANK LTD TO GUNNER W.G. MANTELL DSM RN 30.9.41 Sword

**ATTRIBUTED TO WW1 DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL (DSM) GALLIPOLI RECIPIENT**British Royal Navy Officer’s 1827 Pattern George VI Presentation Sword With Etched Blade By Gieves, Inscribed ‘PRESENTED BY MARTINS BANK LTD TO GUNNER W.G. MANTELL DSM RN 30.9.41’ - 23388

William George Mantell was a member of the Royal Navy (RN) who served during both World War I and World War II. He was awarded the prestigious Distinguished Service Medal (DSM) in August 1917 for his service during the Great War. Mantell served as a rating and was wounded in action during the Dardanelles Campaign (Gallipoli) in 1915. His "conspicuous gallantry" during the war led to him being awarded the Distinguished Service Medal in 1917. He was later recorded as a Chief Petty Officer & served as a Gunner during World War II. He was later employed by Martin’s Bank as head messenger (more service information / antecedents on this man is available online at the Imperial War Museum archives and a portrait photograph of Mr Mantell is reproduced in image 1). This is an excellent British RN sword to Mr Mantell DSM presented to him by Martin’s bank Ltd in 1941. The Naval Officer’s sword has 80.5cm long fullered blade both sides with foliate etched & Blued panels and Kings crown Cyphers (one side ‘GRVI’ (King George 6th Rex). One side of the ricasso has maker’s / retailer’s name ‘Gieves Ltd’ the reverse has ordnance star and inlaid proof roundel. One side of the blade has presentation inscription ‘PRESENTED BY MARTINS BANK LTD TO GUNNER W.G. MANTELL DSM RN 30.9.41’. It has an attractive Lion’s head pommel and the knuckle guard features King’s crown and RN motif. The sword’s fish skin grip with wire binding is undamaged. One side of the guard has a folding langet which locks securely to a pin on the throat of the scabbard and holds it securely in place. The hilt is fitted with original bullion cord & bullion portepee. The leather scabbard with brass fittings is in excellent condition. The price for this excellent RN sword presented to a DSM recipient includes UK delivery. Sn 23388

£795.00