EL7089 - Wilkinson 1897 pattern infantry officer's sword, attributed to Colonel Charles Parker Ridley (1855–1937). Ridley was a veteran of the Second Anglo Boer War, having commanded the 2nd and 4th Brigades of Mounted Infantry and seen extensive service during the war. This sword, numbered 38902 for 1901, is attributed from the etched initials CPR and the coat of arms of the Cape Colony (with motto 'spes bona'). The sword was sold to the company Findlay Durham by Wilkinson, who managed shipments all over the world, but coupling the initials and coat of arms, I believe this can only be the sword of Colonel C. P. Ridley. In 1900, Ridley was appointed to command the South African Constabulary with the local rank of Brigadier-General, and I believe he purchased this sword with the Cape Colony arms accordingly. Colonel Charles Parker was born on 12 May 1855 and entered the British Army in 1873. He served in Egypt (1882 awarded medal and bronze star), on the Miranzai Expedition (1891 awarded medal with clasp) and served extensively in the Anglo-Boer War (1899-1901). In March 1900 he was Colonel in charge of a the 4th Brigade of Mounted Infantry and was under General Ian Hamilton in South Africa. In July 1900, Ridley commanded a mounted infantry column as a Brigadier-General which was chasing the elusive Boer general, Christiaan de Wet. In 1900, Ridley was appointed Companion, Order of the Bath. On 8/2/1901 he was Mentioned in Despatches by Field Marshall Roberts: "Colonel C. P. Ridley, Commanding 4th Brigade Mounted Infantry, performed conspicuous service when the enemy attacked the convoy under his charge on the 15th February, and on other occasions subsequently." The sword is in good condition overall, with patina to the guard and scabbard. The blade is very good and bright, with crisp etching and firm in the hilt. The grip is very good. A top quality sword with tons of research potential.
