Image of Gallery in South Kensington
Not currently on display at the V&A
On display at the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers Regimental Museum, Enniskillen Castle, Northern Ireland

Sword

ca. 1834-1842 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This is an English military presentation sword commissioned to commemorate the service of Major Thomas Charlton Smith who maintained his post at Port Natal (later Durban) against an overwhelming force from the 24th May to 26th June 1842". It is engraved with a figure of Victory, the British Lion, the Royal monogram and on the hilt with a representation of Saint George and the dragon on one side and a lion fighting a leopard on the other.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 2 parts.

  • Presentation Sword
  • Sheath
Materials and techniques
Steel, enamel, engraved, enamelled and set with lapis-lazuli
Brief description
Presentation sword and sheath, Steel, gilt metal mounted with lapis-lazuli, London, ca.1834-42, made by Widdowson and Veale
Physical description
Presentation sword and scabbard. Steel, with lapis lazuli handle and gilt metal mounts.

The blade is engraved on one side with war trophies, a figure of justice, floral decoration, and the inscription "presented to Major T. C.Smith, H.M. 27th Regt Inniskillings, by British subjects of the Cape of Good Hope to express their sense of his indominitable bravery in maintaining his post at Port Natal against an overwhelming force from the 24th May to 26th June 1842". The other side is similarly engraved with a figure of Victory, the British Lion, the Royal monogram, and floral decoration.

The hilt is engraved with fine arabesques, and has a representation of St George and the dragon on one side, and of a lion fighting a leopard on the other, on a ground of translucent blue enamel. The pommel is in the form of lion's head.

The scabbard is covered with red velvet. The mounts are engraved with fine arabesques and war-trophies, and have a shield of arms in enamel, a castle, and the monogram 'TCS" on a translucent blue enamel ground. The scabbard is also chased with groups of fruit.

Made by Widdowson & Veale, Sword Cutlers to H.R.H Prince Albert, 73 Strand, Westminster.
Dimensions
  • Length: 37.75in
Object history
Major (afterwards General) T Charlton Smith was an uncle of R H Soden Smith, Esq, at whose decease W.M. Biden Esq, (one of his executors) inherited this sword and the two medals (108&109-1891).

Given by the Executors of the late R H Sodon Smith Esq, per G.H. Read, Esq., British Museum.

Historical significance: Widdowson & Veale were Goldsmiths, Jewellers & Sword Cutlers to His Royal Highness Prince Albert. The sword was exhibited at Masterpieces of the International Exhibition, 1862
Historical context
The battle of Conglella at Port Natal was between emigrant Dutch farmers and the British military.
Subjects depicted
Summary
This is an English military presentation sword commissioned to commemorate the service of Major Thomas Charlton Smith who maintained his post at Port Natal (later Durban) against an overwhelming force from the 24th May to 26th June 1842". It is engraved with a figure of Victory, the British Lion, the Royal monogram and on the hilt with a representation of Saint George and the dragon on one side and a lion fighting a leopard on the other.
Bibliographic reference
J.B. Waring, Masterpieces of Industrial Art and Sculpture at the International Exhibition, 1862, Vol 1, London, Day and Son, 1863. ill. pl 57. fig.1
Collection
Accession number
107-1891

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Record createdNovember 21, 2008
Record URL
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