An Attributed Sword
An attributed sword to Colonel Henry Starkey Coldicott V.D., T.D. 1853-1936.
This is an 1827 Pattern Rifle Officers sword retailed by Hobson & Sons of Artillery Place Woolwich, who were trading from that address from 1873 to 1883. The blade is etched with the crest of Coldicott, a dexter hand holding a billet and the family motto ‘Sum quod sum’ (I am what I am) and the initials H.S.C. for Henry Starkey Coldicott.
Colonel Coldicott who was a solicitor in civilian life had a long and distinguished career in the Rifle Volunteers and Territorials serving from the 1870’s with Rifle Volunteers and Volunteer Battalions in Worcestershire Essex and Middlesex culminating in command of the 22nd Middlesex RV which became the 12th Battalion London Regiment. He retired in 1911 but despite being over 60 he rejoined in 1914 at the beginning of World War 1 to command the 21st Battalion the London Regiment (1st Surrey Rifles), later commanding the second and third line battalions during training until late 1916. In 1917 Colonel Coldicott despite being about 63 was appointed a Staff Officer and proceeded to France, finally retiring in January 1919
He was awarded the Volunteer Officers Decoration in 1892, the British War Medal and Victory Medal for the First World War and in 1922 was also awarded the Territorial Decoration.
A sword to a dedicated and long serving Volunteer and Territorial Officer who although old for military service rejoined in World War 1 to aid his country commanding at home and then proceeding abroad to the serve in France. The sword has been replated possibly at the time of his World War service and unfortunately the plating has flaked away from the original blade in places it is nonetheless an interesting attributed piece.
Summary of military career
1870’s-1911
7th Worcestershire Rifle Volunteers 1870s-c1882
1st Volunteer Battalion the Worcestershire Regiment c1882-1884
4th Volunteer Battalion of the Essex Regiment. 1884-1887
22nd Middlesex Rifle Volunteers, The Central London Rangers 1887-1908 (Commanding 1907-8)
12th Battalion the London Regiment, The Rangers, Commanding Officer 1908-1911 then retired.
1914-1919
21st Battalion the London Regiment, Commanding from September 1914, Commanding 2/21st Battalion until Dec 1915 then commanding 3rd line depot.
1916 Nov -1917 June, T.F. Reserve
1917 June, Staff Officer in France
1919 Jan, retired.
£395.00
1 in stock
