An Absolutely Superb & Stunning, Fully Provenanced, Victorian, British Generals Wilkinson Sword Of The Commander of the Grenadier Guards In The Crimean War At Alma, Sevastopol, and The Battle of Inkerman, In the Guards Brigade

The sword is as close to mint for its age that you could possibly get. The fabulous hilt has all its original mercurial fire gilt, and in the centre of the quillon it has the crossed sword and field marshal's baton symbol of a British general. the blade has remarkably beautiful, full, deluxe etching for a general of the army, with royal cypher of Queen Victoria, florid scrolls, and again the crossed swords and field marshal's baton generals symbol. Overall in superb condition. Only the all brass scabbard has signs of its long service use by way of a few dings and dents.

Commissioned from Wilkinson Sword Co. for General Thomas Wood who commanded the 3rd batallion Grenadier Guards In the Crimean War in his capacity as colonel of the regiment.

The 3rd Battalion Grenadier Guards served in the Crimea (1854–1856) as part of the 1st Guards Brigade, participating in major actions including the battles of Alma, Sevastopol, and the Battle of Inkerman, where they famously defended the Sandbag Battery. Four members earned the Victoria Cross during the campaign, and they were noted for carrying their colours into action at Inkerman.

Battle of the Alma (Sept 1854): The battalion was part of Lord Raglan’s army that stormed the heights, marking their entry into the campaign.
Battle of Inkerman (Nov 1854): Known as the "Soldiers' Battle," the 3rd Battalion, along with the Scots Fusilier Guards, held the Sandbag Battery against overwhelming Russian numbers in thick fog, holding their ground despite immense losses.
Siege of Sevastopol (1854–1855): Participated in the long siege of the Russian fortress until its fall in September 1855.
At least four members won the Victoria Cross for bravery, including Major Sir Charles Russell, who led a charge to the Sandbag Battery, and Private Anthony Palmer.

The 3rd Battalion was the only unit in the brigade to carry its colours into the fight at Inkerman, with Ensign and Lieutenant Charles Napier Sturt severely wounded while bearing the regimental colour.
:
The Brigade of Guards lost roughly half its men during the Battle of Inkerman.
Cholera, scurvy, and the extreme cold caused more deaths than direct combat.
When the troops returned and were reviewed by Queen Victoria, she was shocked by their appearance, noting they were "quite broken down".

The 3rd Battalion’s actions at Inkerman are still honored today by The Inkerman Company of the Grenadier Guards.

The sword bears the Wilkinson Sword Co. marks and serial number 8756 relating to him, from Wilkinson's records, as the commissioner and the owner of this fabulous bespoke British General's sword.

5th November 1854

On this day, amidst the fog and chaos of the Crimean War, The 3rd Battalion stood resolute at the Battle of Inkerman. Facing overwhelming Russian forces in brutal close-quarters combat, the Guards held their ground on Kit Spur and at the Sand-Bag Battery, demonstrating unmatched courage, discipline, and brotherhood.

It was during this “Soldiers’ Battle” that three Grenadiers earned the Victoria Cross for extraordinary bravery:

Picture in the gallery of General Woods full portrait painting in his uniform in his capacity as Colonel of the Grenadier Guards prior to the Crimean War.
Ivory Declaration Submission

Antique ivory, 'worked' declaration submitted, but we can only sell this sword within the UK, it is not allowed for export. Ivory, however old cannot be imported into the USA.

Code: 26195