British Pattern 1895 Infantry Officers Sword, Wilkinson Mfg. Named, A.E. Aitken, Battle of Tanga 1914
This item is listed for historical interest only. It was listed on our site previously but has been sold and is no longer available for purchase.
Sold for: $550.00

Original era manufacture. A well used example, albeit one with a very interesting history. Standard pattern 1895 Infantry officers sword with royal cyphers on guard and blade. Named to Arthur E. Aitken on the blade, and on the reverse the name of the swordk maker, Henry Wilkinson Pall Mall London; with a serial number on the spine, 23451, indicating a manufacture year-date of 1880, likely re-hilted when the regualtions changed in 1895.Fishskin wrapped grip bound with two strands of copper wire, basket type guard with a beaded backstrap for a better grip.Two suspension loop steel scabbard displaying considerable wear and use, denting above the drag from service use.Arthur E. Aitken was born in 1861, seeing active service in the Sudan after graduating from Sandhurst in 1880. Attached to the Indian Staff Corps, promoted to Colonel in 1911, with a temporary rank of Major-General.At the outbreak of war in 1914, he was given the command of the first British expeditionary force into East Africa; where at the battle of Tanga he received a severe defeat at the hands the German commander Lettow-Vorbeck and his Askari's.