EL7373 - The Wilkinson sword, numbered 39032 (26th June 1901), sold to H.J. Flower, 3/60th Rifles. Major Horace John ("John") Flower, DSO, MC, was in the King’s Royal Rifle Corps (60th Rifles). He served as an Adjutant to the Queen's Westminster Rifles during World War I and fought at the Second Battle of Ypres and the Battle of Loos ( https://livesofthefirstworldwar.iwm.org.uk/lifesto...). For his services during WW1, Flower was awarded the Distinguished Service Order (D.S.O.) and Military Cross (M.C.), being twice Mentioned in Despatches (MID) ( https://www.winchestercollegeatwar.com/RollofHonou...). He died in 1919 from an illness resulting from being shot in action. Flower is buried at Brookwood Cemetary, near Woking in Surrey.
The sword is top quality, being a Wilkinson, and with fantastic provenance and research potential. The blade is bright, with deep crisp etching, being firm in the hilt with no movement. The hilt is in very good condition, with a clean steel guard, no movement, and the shagreen of the grip is very good. The grip has silver grip wire, though some of the thinnest strand is missing. Complete in matching original full dress plated steel scabbard.
