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.
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| 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 |
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| 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 created | November 21, 2008 |
| Record URL |
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