British 1897 Patt. Royal Engineers Sword - owner played in 1875 FA Cup Final

A unique British 1897 Patt. Royal Engineers Sword – owner played in 1875 FA Cup Final

This British 1897 Patt. Royal Engineers Sword was owned by Lieutenant G H Sim who played in the 1875 FA Cup Final for the Royal Engineers against the Old Etonians. The Royal Engineers lost the match 1-0. For more information on the Royal Engineers A F C (Amateur Football Club) and G H Sim, go to these links – here and here. The sword is typical of the 1897 Pattern and comprises a plated steel hilt with pierced inset royal cypher (VR) of Queen Victoria. The blade has extensive and excellent quality decoration including the owner’s name, Royal Engineers lightning bolts, cannon, royal crown and cypher and scrolling foliage. Grip is made from fishskin bound in silver twistwire. Also retains its original leather sword knot. Complete with leather field service scabbard. It appears that Lieutenant Sim had a long military career (worthy of further research), including service during the Boer War and we find him a Colonel in the Royal Engineers by 1906. Have located a photograph of the Royal Engineers AFC in 1872 – not sure which one is G H Sim but he is there.