British Naval Officer's Sword of Commander Burrows CBE (Sold)

In exceptionally fine condition, this is the sword Commander Henry Montagu Burrows wore to Buckingham Palace in 1956 to receive his CBE.

It is very rare to find a naval sword in such good condition with the blade and gilt almost as new. This sword was actually bought by Commander Henry Montagu Burrows, RN to wear in 1956 to Buckingham Palace's New Year's Party where he received the CBE for his services in the Royal Navy spanning the two world wars. Although it comes with an all weather bag, I do not believe this sword has ever been aboard a naval vessel; I believe it was worn a few times as a dress sword and hence the reason it is in such good condition.

The 31 inch picquet weight blade is firm in the hilt, the folding guard works fine and is marked to H M Burrows RN, the hilt's gilt is superb, the white fishskin grip in exceptionally good condition, the sword knot good but with some rubbing wear areas, the scabbard in very good order though the fittings have lost most of their gilt, the belt in exceptionally good order, the leather all weather bag (complete with Gieves tag) marked to "H M B" is a little tired but good and sound. The sword itself, perhaps with a little regilting of the scabbard fittings, would make an exceptional and highly wearable RN sword today.

The Gieves sales tag may seem puzzling as it is dated 11th February 1957, but I suspect this is solely for the all weather bag which I presume Commander Burrows bought after the event. Anyway, the sales tag too is marked to Commander Burrows. Further / full sized photos available upon request. My item reference number for this is 513 (56)