EL7448 - An Edwardian presentation 1897 pattern Royal Engineers officer's sword by S. J. Pillin. The presentation reading "Presented to Staff Sergeant Collins on his promotion to the staff and in recognition of his services rendered to D Company of the 1st Middlesex Royal Engineers Volunteers when Company Sergeant by Captain H. S. Marsh." I have not done extensive research on this, so there is probably a lot to discover, but the Captain who presented the sword to Sergeant Collins might be H. H. S. Marsh of the 2nd London Divisional Telegraph Company, who was made an honourary Lieutenant in the Regular Army in 1902. The sword itself is in good condition, with mostly bright mirror polish to the blade and crisp etching. Pillin were one of the top makers of the day and famed for the quality of their etching, producing made of the surviving presentation swords. The blade is firm in the hilt with no movement. The hilt with Edward VII cypher is in good condition, with some blemishes to the plated guard. Complete in matching plated steel scabbard.
