British Pattern 1897 Officer's Sword and Scabbard : Colonel H. S. Blaydes, Third Battalion, East Kent Regiment

British Pattern 1897 Infantry Officer's sword and scabbard. The hilt has a nickel plated three quarter 'scroll' pattern pierced sheet steel guard with the VR royal cypher. The grip is wire bound black fishskin. The straight blade is etched half way on both sides with a foliage design having the the royal cypher of Queen Victoria in the centre. On the right side is a panel with the initials HSB. There is a single fuller on each side for half of the length. The ricasso is etched with the interlocking triangle symbol and brass proved disc on the right with ROBt MOLE & SONS MAKERS Birmingham on the left. A leather washer is attached to the blade where it meets the hilt. The nickel plated steel scabbard has two loose suspension rings on bands at 2.5 and 10.5 inches from the throat which is etched with the initials HSB.

This sword belonged to the late Colonel H.S. Blaydes of the 3rd Battalion, "The Buffs", East Kent Regiment which was the parent regiment of the Third Battalion AIF. Although Colonel Blaydes did not serve with Australian forces, one of his sons, 2 Lieutenant A M Blades, was killed at Lone Pine serving with the Third Battalion, AIF. Two other sons served in both world wars with Australian forces.