BRITISH 1854 PATTERN PRESENTATION OFFICERS SWORD OF THE SCOTS GUARDS BELONGING TO MAJOR ARTHUR PURVIS WHO WAS AWARDED THE MILITARY CROSS DURING WW1,IN 1939 HE SERVED ON THE STAFF OF THE DUKE OF WINDSOR (KING EDWARD THE 8TH) .
Silver basket hilt is in fine condition and it incorporates the Regimental badge of the Scots Guards, the fish skin grip is also in perfect condition. The presentation blade is in fine condition and it is by Carter & Co 56 Pall Mall London and it is double etched with ornate floral designs with the Scots Guards Regimental badge, battle honors which include Waterloo and Alama and many others, Royal cypher with crown and with family coat of arms and the original owners name, Arthur Purvis of Earishall. Complete with matching silver scabbard. Major Arthur Purvis was born in 1890, he originally joined the Cameron Highlander Regiment in 1914 as a Lieutenant but he transferred to the Scots Guards in 1915, in 1917 he was awarded the military cross for bravery and he was also wounded. From 1919-1920 he served with the British military mission in South Russia, in 1920 he was awarded the Order of St Anne of Russia.In 1925 he married Rachel Emily Nairn. From 1935-1939 Major Purvis served on the staff of the Governor of New Zealand as his military secretary. In 1939 he was posted to Paris to be the Equery to the Duke of Windsor, the former King of England who abdicated in 1936 and who it is believed was a supporter of Fascism and the Third Reich and a close friend of Sir Oswald Mosley the leader of the British union of fascists. Major Purvis died in 1955 and he is buried at Dunino near St Andrews in Scotland. Complete with some research and a photograph of Major Purvis from his time in New Zealand and which shows him in full military uniform wearing this actual sword. I am sure much more could be discovered about this brave officer and his interesting carrier in the army. [Condition: Near Mint]
Code: 35389