Workington Regiment of Local Militia (Cumberland) 1808-1816 Presentation Sword, a very fine 1796 pattern infantry officer’s sword, the 32” blade with extensive blueing and gilding on both sides, the presentation panel extends some 36cm and reads as follows,
‘28 May 1810 Presented to Lieut Col’l Commandandt. JOHN C CURWEN by the Officers non commissioned Officers and Privates of the Workington Regt. of Local Militia serving under his command, in testimony of their Gratitude for his undeviating Attention to the Corps not only during its present Establishment but from its first Enrollment as a Volunteer Regiment in 1803’.

Usual copper gilt shells stirrup hand guard, silver wire bound grip and decorated quillon, bullion sword knot, no scabbard, a framed steel engraving of Curwen and extensive paper work concerning the life and family of the recipient included, some age rusting to blade edges but the decoration generally in good condition, wear to the copper gilt hilt areas £2500-3000

John Christian Curwen 1756-1828 was born John Christian but married some years after the decease of his first wife his cousin Isabella Curwen only child and heiress of Henry Curwen and assumed the additional name of Curwen by King’s sign manual. Curwen became Liberal MP for Cralisle after a Parliamentary enquiry ousted the Tory John Lowther for unscrupulous electioneering practices. A forceful and assertive Member he became very much the ‘people’s’ member both locally and nationally. He was incidentally a cousin of John Fletcher Christian of ‘Bounty’ fame.