A Victorian 1821 Pattern Heavy Cavalry Officer’s Sword, the 341/2” blade by Henry Wilkinson, Pall Mall (No22092) etched with the crown over ‘VR’ and a crowned strap bearing the unit title, ‘King’s Dragoon Guards‘ and ‘1st’ within the strap, battle honour scrolls below, Waterloo, Sevastopol, Taku Forts, Pekin’ also the officer’s family crest and initials ‘JCD’, steel scabbard, cleaned overall and some age surface marking minor fish-skin wear, but generally good condition £600-800

This sword was supplied to Lieutenant James Cumming Dewar, 1st King’s Dragoon Guards. Lieutenant Dewar served in the Zulu War of 1879 and was severely wounded in the attack on Sekukuni’s Town on 28 November 1879. He was carried out of action by two Privates of the 94th Foot, Francis Fitzpatrick and Thomas Flawn, both of whom were awarded the Victoria Cross. The deed which won them the coveted decoration was described in the London Gazette of 23rd February, 1880, as follows:

‘In recognition of their gallant conduct during the attack on Sekukuni’s Town, on the 28th November last, in carrying out of action Lieutenant Dewar, 1st Dragoon Guards, when badly wounded. At the time he received his wound Lieutenant Dewar had with him only Privates Flawn and Fitzpatrick, and six of the Native Contingent, and being incapable of moving without assistance, the natives proceeded to carry him down the hill, when about thirty of the enemy appeared in pursuit, about forty yards in the rear, whereupon the men of the Native Contingent deserted Lieutenant Dewar, who must have been killed but for the devoted gallantry of Privates Flawn and Fitzpatrick, who carried him alternatively, one covering the retreat and firing on the enemy.’