WW1 Era British 1897 Pattern Infantry Officer’s Presentation Sword With King George V Guard Inscribed ‘Presented to Lieut T G Perry by the students of Sir John Deans Grammar School Northwich, Nov 23 1914’ & Leather Covered Field Service Scabbard. ED Sword

WW1 Era British 1897 Pattern Infantry Officer’s Presentation Sword With King George V Guard Inscribed ‘Presented to Lieut T G Perry by the students of Sir John Deans Grammar School Northwich, Nov 23 1914’ & Leather Covered Field Service Scabbard. ED 899 - ED 899

A local clergyman, Sir John Deane rose through the church ranks and later became a rector at St Bartholomew’s the Great in London. Never forgetting his roots, and keen to provide the inhabitants of his native area with the means of self-improvement through education, he set up a charitable trust and gifted the land on which the first school was built in 1557. In 1908, the school, then a boys’ grammar, moved to its current riverside site on the banks of the River Weaver, in Northwich, thanks to the generosity of another local benefactor, Sir John Brunner. Brunner, alongside Ludwig Mond, developed the wealthiest British chemical company of the late nineteenth century, which became the biggest employer in the area for decades after. Brunner’s kind donation, which marked the 350th anniversary of the school, laid the foundations for the next 100 years, and inspired a new generation of young learners. The environment has since advanced with a £28 million regeneration of the site, however, the College campus is still firmly rooted in its proud history and heritage, which is evident in our flourishing boat club, distinctive crest and historic buildings. The school lost 29 former pupils (Old Wittonians) during the First World War. Their names are recorded on a central oak-panel war memorial board mounted in the school hall. This is an original British 1897 pattern Infantry Officer's named presentation sword with connection to the Grammer school. These swords were a great improvement on previous patterns with better protection to the hand through its ¾ basket hilt (see page 179 of World Swords by Withers & pages 165-167 of Swords of the British Army by Robson). The sword has a 33” long blade with partial fullers and measures 39 ¼” overall. The blade has just light staining consistent with age & no damage. There are no maker marks on the blade. The blade has etched and blued panels including foliate panels and King’s crown GR V devices. It also ordnance acceptance proof star & original leather hilt washer. It has the full 1897 Pattern knuckle guard with Crown GR V device. It has a curved stepped pommel with ball top and knurled back strap for grip, fish skin covered grip with wire binding in excellent condition. The guard is inscribed ‘Presented to Lieut T G Perry by the students of Sir John Deans Grammar School Northwich, Nov 23 1914’ (possiblty a teacher leaving the school to go to war). It is complete with leather covered wood field service scabbard. The scabbard has a German silver throat mount. The price for this WW1 presentation sword worthy of further research includes UK delivery. ED 899

£675.00