1854 Pattern Scots Guards Officer’s Sword For Sale

Overall good condition, well campaign etched 1854 Pattern Scots Guards Officer’s Sword with owner's initials.

Unfortunately the top of the blade where it meets the hilt (ricasso) is rusted so as to obscure the maker's details save for the fact they were in Pall Mall SW London. However, the blade has a serial number 13779 marked to the spine which together with an R in the proof slug is likely to mean this is a Cater (56 Pall Mall) made sword. The rest of the blade, although with periodic small rust spots, is still very crisp with Scots Guards campaigns etched accordingly; the last one noted being "South Africa 1902". The blade etching also has the Royal Cypher of King George the 5th (reigned 1910 to 1936) plus the owner's initials "R. F. B.".

The only RFB for the period in the Scots Guards was Robert Frederick Balfour, son of Edward Balfour, of "Balbirnie," Markinch, Fife. Gentleman Cadet Robert Frederick Balfour graduated the Royal Military College to be Second Lieutenant in the Scots Guards on 24th January, 1903. He made full Lieutenant on the 29th June 1904, was A.D.C. to Major-General Sir W. P. Pulteney, C.B., D.S.O., 6th Division, Irish Comd 1st April 1912, and made Captain on the 18th January 1913. Captain Robert Frederick Balfour died aged 31 on the 28/10/1914 at Ypres; his Commonwealth War Graves Commission listing is here: Capt R F Balfour.

I would be prepared to accept £500 for this sword. Further pictures available upon request. My item reference number is 156 / Box19-1m