Following the Relief of Mafeking B-P was promoted to the rank of Major General and
since 1831 our General officers wear special type of dress sword derived from the
scimitars used by the Mamelukes who fought Napoleon in Egypt. These swords have
a curved blade and ivory grips as seen worn by B-P on a
$5 miniature sheet from St.Vincent & the Grenadines.
B-P was also showered with lavish gifts from throughout
the Empire many paid for by public subscriptions. A
popular and traditional gift was a presentation sword of
General officer’s type their blades etched with
inscriptions and the mounts in gold silver with enamelled
coats of arms and monograms. Many similar swords can
be seen in museums dedicated to other military leaders
and they rarely appear for sale, but recently the present
Lord Baden–Powell sold six such swords presented to
B-P at Christie’s. The finest example from the Mercer’s
Company with heavy 18ct mounts realised £10,000, another from the citizens of Port Elizabeth,Cape
of Good Hope sold for £6,500 and one from “Two
thousand residents in Dunedin And Districts New Zealand” realised £8,000. The silver
gilt mounted sword from Grahamstown sold for £5,000 and the sword from “The
Women of Britain” made £6,000. Lastly a solid gold miniature sword from “199 Women
of Melbourne” realised £4,000. (All excluding 25% buyer’s premium). Such beautiful
objects deserve to be seen and appreciated so I hope that some will end up displayed
in public collections.
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