Summary
Officer's sword, rifle regiment pattern,1845. Blade and plated steel half basket hilt. Plated steel scabbard.
Lieutenant Blannin and Sergeant Major Stock were members of the Collingwood Corps of the Victorian Volunteer Force. Based on the chronology of Blannin's promotions, the sword would have been presented in the period 1870-1873. Blannin was appointed to the rank of Lieutenant in 1870 and, as Honorary Secretary to the Victorian Rifle Association, accompanied the Victorian Rifle Team to England and America in 1876. This is one of only two known swords retailed by Melbourne gundealer, James Rosier. The second is held in a private collection and was presented to Sergeant Steel by the Moyhu Protection Society in recognition for his efforts during the Kelly Outbreak, 1878-1880.
Physical Description
Officer's sword, rifle regiment pattern 1845. Blade 81.90cm (32 1/4 in.) long, slightly curved, bears etched decoration including royal cypher 'VR'. Plated steel half basket hilt with crowned bugle inserted in the outward bars, steeped pommel, fishskin grip bound with gilt wire. Plated steel scabbard.
More Information
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Collecting Areas
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Acquisition Information
Donation from Miss A. Rogers, 15 Jan 1958
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Presented By
Major Alfred Blannin, Melbourne, Greater Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 1870-1873
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Retailer
James Watson Rosier (Gunsmiths), Melbourne, Greater Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 1834-1920
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Presented To
Sergeant Major Stock, Melbourne, Greater Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Inscriptions
Etched on blade: 'Present to Serg. Major Stock by his comrade Lieutenant Blannin'. Etched on back of blade: 'James W. Rosier - Melbourne', and at ricasso 'Crown/ C.G.'.
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Brand Names
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Classification
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Category
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Discipline
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Type of item
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Object Measurements
96.5 cm (Length), 11.5 cm (Width), 8 cm (Height)
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Keywords
Militaria: Australian, Swords: British, Victorian Colonial Defence Forces, Victorian Volunteer Forces
