Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A 1912 pattern cavalry officer’s sword for Frank Bernard Lane, OBE, 4th. Cavalry, Hodson’s Horse, the straight 89cm regulation blade by Henry Wilkinson, Pall Mall, London, number 60161 for 1924, etched with crowned GVR cypher and royal arms, foliate strapwork etc., makers details including ‘By warrant’ the back edge etched ‘London Made’ regulation plated bowl guard and stepped pommel, fish-skin covered grip bound with copper wire, complete with its wood scabbard covered with brown leather with integrated frog-stop and long plated chape, blade retaining much original finish, minor wear to plating to interior of guard £200-250

The Wilkinson proof books record sword number 60161 as ‘np cav’ for Lt Col FB Lane, Hodson’s Horse, 8 September 1924.
‘np cav’ presumably an abbreviation for new pattern cavalry, it is interesting to note that Colonel Lane also purchased sword number 60160 at the same time another ‘np cav’.

1912 pattern swords which can be positively associated with the Indian Cavalry are uncommon.

Frank Bernard Lane, was born 16 August 1879, educated at Shrewsbury School and RMC Sandhurst, first commissioned 12 August 1899, (R. Dublin Fus.) Lieutenant 24 February 1900, Captain 12 August 1908, Major 1 September 1915, Lt. Colonel 15 February 1924, retired 10 January 1929.

Commandant 4th. Hodson’s Horse 1924-1928.

War services, South African War 1899-1901, Relief of Ladysmith including action of Colenso, action at Spion Kop, action at Vaal Kranz, action on the Tugela Heights and action at Pieter’s Hill. Dangerously wounded, ops. in the Transvaal. (medal with six clasps) Great War 1914-1921 Operations in Mesopotamia 1917-1918, twice mentioned in despatches, and awarded OBE in 1919.