Recent Wilkinson Tel-el-Kabir

[james.elstob]

As its slow... Not my latest purchase, but I do love a sword with a good career, although there is a chance that this one may have been replaced by the owner later in his career, either on receiving his majority in 1894 or on the introduction of the 95/97 infantry patterns.

Even so it is highly likely to have served at the battle of Tel-el-Kabir, in 1882 and in the Sudan with the Nile Expedition in 1884/85.



The-VC-and-DSO-Volume-II
HARVEY, WILLIAM LUEG, Major, was born 17 July 1858, son of Nicholas Oliver Harvey, of Hayle, Cornwall. He was commissioned in the 46th Foot 30 January 1878; became Lieutenant, Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry, 18 June 1881, serving in the Egyptian Expedition, 1882, and being present at the battle of Tel-el-Kebir (Medal with clasp and Bronze Star). He was promoted to Captain 24 September 1884, and served in the Sudan in 1884-85, in the Nile Expedition, with the River Column (clasp). He became Captain 24 September 1884, and Major 31 August 1894. Major Harvey served in the South African War, 1899 to 1902. He was Commandant at Kaspminden, and he took part in the operations in the Orange Free State, February to May 1900, including the operations at Paardeberg (17 to 20 February); actions at Poplar Grove, Driefontein, Houtnek (Thoba Mountain), Vet River (5 and 6 May) and Zand River. Operations in the Transvaal in May and June, 1900, including actions near Johannesburg and Pretoria. Operations in the Transvaal 30 November 1900 to 31 May 1902. He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 10 September 1901, and 29 July 1902; received the Queen's Medal with four clasps, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order

[Will Mathieson]

James that is a nice unaltered sword. Seems his promotion to field rank came at the time of the 1895p sword. Harvey did not add a brass scabbard nor did he later rehilt this sword.
Nice to find it in original condition since it saw some famous battles.

[MikeShowers]

James, this is my favorite type of sword. A few scrapes and bruises but a witness to all kinds of interesting history.

[james.elstob]

Yes, it's almost shame to think that many of the swords of this era are altered from their original 'war witnessing' configuration due to the 1895/97 hilt change.

This one has literally been through the wars!