Pattern 1897 infantry officer’s sword, 1937 (metal)

Pattern 1897 infantry officer’s sword, 1937. This blade has no edge and bears engraved decoration including the maker’s name, Wilkinson Sword Company Ltd, the Royal arms, Edward VIII monogram and the owner’s initials. This sword was issued at the Royal Military College to Second Lieutenant W D Ritchie, who was commissioned into 1st Battalion The Lincolnshire Regiment, and transferred to the 3rd Battalion, The 9th Jat Regiment. Only five swords were made of this pattern during the reign of Edward VIII and as the King abdicated on 11 December 1936 the sword was six months out of date when issued.