5 Dec 2012
13:00 GMT
Oxford
The Gary Bates Collection of Swords and Militaria.Part II
Back to auction 19854
The Gary Bates Collection of Swords and Militaria.Part II
Back to auction 19854
An 1874 Pattern 2nd Lifeguards Officer's State Sword of Exceptional Size
102cm blade by Henry Wilkinson pall Mall London numbered 25941 for 1884, etched with scrolling foliage, crowned VR cypher, regimental cypher and motto, five battle honours to Tel-El-Kebir and owner's crest and motto, patent solid regulation hilt pierced and applied in brass with scrolls, studs and regimental cypher, chequered brass pommel, two piece chequered horn wire bound grip, in its brass mounted steel scabbard, two suspension rings, and complete with buff leather liner and knot of buff leather.
Sold for
£2,000
inc. premium
Footnotes
- The sword of Oswald Henry Ames, known as 'the tallest man in the British Army'. Born in 1862, he entered the 4th Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment in 1881 and in 1884 transferred to the 5th Dragoons and then the 2nd Life Guards. He became Captain in 1892, Major in 1902, and retired and transferred to the reserve in 1906.He commanded the reserve regiment of the 2nd Life Guards as Lieutenant-Colonel from 1914 - 1916, and died in 1927 aged 65. 'Ozzie', as he was known, was remembered not only for his height of 6 foot 8 3/4, but also for leading the Queen's procession to St Paul's Cathedral for the Diamond Jubilee service in 1897. Sold with copies of photographs, his service record, and an original print by Spy and further research.
Category: Arms and Armour
Auction terms and conditions
Lot symbols
| * | Import low rate |