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In very good condition, the sword of a British infantry officer killed in action during WW1, the sword marked in memorial by his family.
A good but sad sword in that it was clearly marked in memorial by the family of Alexander Humphreys after they lost him, killed in action in the Somme on the 8th August 1917, during the "Great War" (WW1).
The sword itself tells a story in that it is late war, because the proof mark is simply stamped into the blade rather than being a copper slug; the British did this when materials were low and demand for officer's swords was great. In other words, Alexander Humphreys almost certainly earned his commission, a very young man, was sent to France and then shortly after was killed. Not a happy story but one that is typical and many believe the war should be remembered most about.
The 32 1/4 blade is marked to Sheffield maker S & J Kitchin, well etched with scrolls and George 5th's Royal Cypher, plus "A.H. KIA Somme 8.8.17" and "Hants Reg"; these clearly added after his death by his family. The blade firm in the hilt, which is marked with his name "Alexander Humphreys". The hilt is generally in very good order, the fishskin grip in excellent order, having unlikely ever been held more than a few times by Alexander. The leather field service scabbard is good but aged. An evocative piece of history and a very good condition sword. Further / full sized images upon request. My item reference number is 733
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