Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A scarce silver-hilted presentation sword for William Hopkinson, Castle Baynard Company London Rifle Brigade, the slightly curved 81 cm blade intricately etched for its entire length with the regimental devices of the London Rifle Brigade, family crest and motto ‘Look forward’ all surrounded by scrolling strap work and within a cartouche the presentation inscription ‘Presented by Castle Baynard M Company L.R.Vols. to Captn. W.Hopkinson in the 7th. year of his command Jany. 1866’, the inscription partly defaced but mostly legible, guard based on that of the 1827 pattern light infantry officer’s the cartouche in this case being filled with a finely chased badge and motto of the London Rifle Brigade, back-strap with chequered thumb piece and stepped and chequered pommel removable silver tang button, guard, back-strap and ferule with matching hallmarks for London 1865 and makers mark ET for Edward Thurkle, ribbed ivory grip bound with silver wire, complete with its silver-plated steel scabbard with two hanging rings, ivory grip a little chipped, silver-plating to scabbard marked and as stated the inscription partly defaced otherwise in good condition overall £800-900

William Hopkinson, commissioned Ensign December 1859, Lieutenant March 1860 and Captain November 1866, resigned his commission the same year.