1895 Pattern Wilkinson Patent Solid Hilt Sword of Colonel Dudley North C.B.
ELC1026
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Product Details
ELC1026 - A stunning 1895 pattern Wilkinson Patent Solid Hilt sword, made for Colonel Dudley North, Most Honourable Order of The Bath, C.B. , of the North Lancashire Regiment. He was previously wounded in the defence of Fomannah, in the Ashanti Campaign (1873-74), and his medals sold at Dix Noonan Webb in 2006 for £3,400.
From Dix Noonan Webb's research:
"From the London Gazette 1896: Dudley North was born on 8 October 1840, and educated at Harrow prior to being appointed an Ensign in the 47th Foot in September 1858. Subsequently advanced to Lieutenant in October 1861 and Captain in June 1866, he served as a Special Service Officer on transport duties in the Ashantee War of 1873-74, and was dangerously wounded when leading a reconnaissance to discover the enemy’s position prior to their attack upon Fomanneh on 2 February 1874. During the beginning of the attack the place was defended by Captain A. W. Duncan, R.A., who contrived to muster some 80 men, several of whom were on the sick-list. Subsequently Colonel Colley, 2nd Queen’s, took command and drove the Ashantees out of the post with great loss. The loss on the British side was small. Captains Duncan and North were wounded, the latter officer seriously, and eight men were also wounded. According to the London Gazette North received a dangerous gunshot wound of the right side of his chest and right elbow joint. For his services Captain North was mentioned in despatches and given the Brevet of Major (Medal with clasp).
North was next appointed as A.D.C. to Sir Charles Van Straubenzee, Governor and Commander-in-Chief at Malta, which post he occupied until 1878. He was promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel in September 1884, in which year he commanded a Wing of the Loyal North Lancashires in the Zhob Valley Expedition. Appointed Commanding Officer of the 2nd Battalion in February 1887, and advanced to Colonel in September 1888, his final appointment was as Assistant Adjutant-General in Canada between 1892-95, for which services he was made a Companion of the Order of the Bath. Colonel North died on 22 November 1917. His old regimental comrades erected a tablet in his memory in the north wall of Preston Parish Church."
This sword was made in late 1896 (probably for when the Colonel received his C.B., to comply with the new regulations) and this pattern was only being manufactured for two years, making it scarce, but doubly so being a Wilkinson Patent Solid Hilt with full width tang.
The blade has a very pleasing flared ricasso, thanks to the patent hilt design. The blade is bright, with only a few small spots of pitting, completely solid in the hilt. The guard and backstrap are in lovely condition with bright nickel plating. The black composition grips retain very sharp chequering still and the grip wire is all in place. Complete with the sword are its black field service scabbard and sword knot, as well as a Wilkinson transport case (missing it's lid).
A wonderful sword to an officer with an interesting career and life to research.
