Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very interesting presentation sword of the 1st Surrey Rifles dating from before 1914 and probably closer to 1900. This1860s pattern regimentally cyphered sword that reads the following on the finely decorated blade:
ROB MOLE & SONS
BIRMINGHAM
MAKER TO THE
WAR & INDIA
OFFICES
It is nicely numbered M3442 on the spine.
Blade is fully engraved with foliage and stands of arms for three quarters of its 32.5 length. In amongst the engravings is the following dedication:-
PRESENTED TO
2ND LIEUTENANT
ALFRED BARTON FLY
BY F COMPANY
FIRST SURREY
RIFLES.
Also appears the family’s crest engraved onto the blade with Latin motto GAUDET TENTAMINE VIRTAS which roughly means “VIRTUE REJOICES IN STRUGGLE.
A fine officer’s sword presented by his men and lived through the Great War about to start in 1914. A true British officer’s named sword complete with steel nickel plated scabbard.