Orders, Decorations & Medals - Militaria

Lot 2308    SESSION 12 (11.30AM THURSDAY 31ST MARCH)    Orders, Decorations & Medals - Militaria

Estimate $500
Bid at live.noble.com.au
SOLD $1,000

INFANTRY OFFICER'S SWORD, 1892, with rare Royal Engineer's 1857 pattern hilt, etched straight steel blade as introduced in 1892 marked at the hilt by maker, 'Moubray Rowan & Hicks, Melbourne', the guard with attractive scrolling acanthus leaves and is of the type of hilt introduced in 1857 and retained until 1900, sharkskin grip on handle bound with gold wire, brown leather scabbard with steel fittings. Etched pattern on blade worn, otherwise fine.

The hilt of this sword has the Royal Engineer's 1857 pattern with attractive scrolling acanthus leaves on the guard. In 1892 the blade was changed to the new straight thrust design with the 1857 hilt initially retained but by the year 1900 the Royal Engineers were regulated to carry the same hilt pattern that the infantry had already adopted.

According to the family, this sword was issued to Arthur James Arnot and has been in the one family since it was issued. Arthur James Arnot was born at Hamilton, Scotland on 26 August 1865. He was an electrical engineer and arrived in Melbourne, Victoria in 1889 to erect a large alternating current plant for the Union Electric Co. He patented the world's first electric drill on 20 August 1889. He installed a comprehensive system of street lighting in Melbourne between 1891 and 1892 as well as managing the Spencer Street power station from 1894 to 1901. He held many other important association positions as well as being a Lieutenant in the Submarine Company, Victorian Engineers from 1894 and transferring to the Reserve of Officers in 1900. He resigned his commission in 1912 but when war broke out in 1914 he was recommissioned in July 1915 into the Australian Engineers and promoted to Captain initially and then in 1916 to Major. In 1918-19 he was Director of Works in the Department of the Chief of Ordnance. He transferred to the Reserves in 1920 and retired in 1925 with the rank of Major. He died on 15 October 1946 at Castle Hill, NSW.

Together with research.

Note: Licence to own required in State of Victoria, Australia.

No mail out for this lot, collection only from the Sydney Office, or buyer to make own arrangements.