Arms, Armour and Militaria

Life Guards officer’s sword owned by a ‘Moonlight charger’, an officer’s dress sword of the 2nd life Guards, the straight 94cm blade by Hawkes & Co, Piccadilly, London, No 4022 etched with reversed and intwined crowned VR cypher foliate scrolls regimental device and motto battle honours to ‘Tel-el-Kebir’ and owners initials ‘FTT’ within cartouche, regulation plated guard with applied brass decorations incorporating ‘2nd LG’ device etc., chequered pommel with tang button, fish-skin covered grip bound with silver wire, now fitted with a later buff liner and sword knot, complete with its plated scabbard with ornate regulation brass hanging rings and shoe, has perhaps been refurbished sometime in its working life, good condtion £750-800

Frederick Trench Townshend, born 28 August 1838 commissioned into the 2nd Life Guards in 1861, a Major by 1882 he took part in the Egyptian Campaign, riding in the famous ‘moonlight charge’ at Kassassin on 28 August 1882 where he was wounded, his medals were presented to him by Queen Victoria personally, continuing to serve on he reached the rank of Colonel in 1890, retiring in 1893.

Sold with further research and copy photographs of Townshend.