British India: South Indian Railway Volunteer Rifles, '1827 Pattern' Rifle Officer's regimental sword. This manufactured in period 1902-1917

This vintage sword is from era 1902-1917, was retailed by Hobson and Sons, 1,3&5 Lexington Street, London (marks on top of blade). The 32.5 inch blade lavishly etched / engraved including usual forate designs and sunbursts, together with 'King's Crown', name of regiment and the regimental insignia insignia & of the South Indian Railway Volunteer Rifles. The sword hilt is of the regulation 'Light Infantry' type, with traditional 'light infantry strung bugle' surmounted by 'King's Crown'

Contained in wooden brown leather covered scabbard, complete with fittings, including leather tassel top hilt knot, 'frog' and leather buckled slings and belt - all as-worn

Positively attributed: As worn by Lieutenant-Colonel Clive Osborne Gaby, V.D., who served with the regiment circa 1915-1938, and who was the 'Commanding Officer' of the regiment in the period 1934-1938 (see attached image showing Lt-Colonel Gaby wearing the actual sword with the same fittings.

Note: The origins of the The South Indian Railway Volunteer Rifles (1897-1917) had it's origins in the raising of the South Indian Railway Volunteer Rifles Corps, that was established in 1884. In 1917, the unit was re-styled as the '29th South Indian Railway Battalion (Indian Defence Force). In 1920, the unit was finally restyled as 'South Indian Railway Battalion (Auxiliary Force India). By 1934, the regiment's establishment comprised to a Headquarters Company (located at Trichinopoly) and three Infantry Companies, with 25 x Officer's. By the start of the Second World War in 1939, the regiment mustered 929 x 'All-Ranks', comprised of 539 x 'Active' members and 390 x 'Reservists'. By ethnicity, in September 1939, the regiment comprised 19 x 'Europeans' & 910 x 'Eurasians'. The regiment was disbanded, on 14 August 1947

Important: This item is only for sale to clients who can provide evidence that they are 18 years of age, or older. Further, we will only deliver the item to United Kingdom addresses. Overseas clients are, of course, welcome to purchase, but if they cannot provide a UK delivery address, then they will have to make their own alternative arrangements for collection and delivery

With only minor marks & wear to blade, commensurate with age, including 3 x inch split on each side of the leather 'cup or basket at base of the leather scabbard

The item here being sold is the sword and fittings only. We will however provide soft-copies of all the illustrations to the successful buyer for provenance and reference purposes

Condition: The blade bright with only minor wear

Code: 22532