Hi Jack,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

According to archives at the Royal Museums Greenwich, J. R. Gaunt & Son Ltd. was a prominent British manufacturer and outfitter of military swords, badges, buttons, medals, and other uniform accoutrements from the late 19th century through much of the 20th century. They became well known for producing quality British military swords including officers’ swords used in World War I and later periods. Examples in museum collections are marked “J. R. Gaunt & Son Ltd, late Edward Thurkle” on the blade ricasso, showing the branding practice that resulted from their business arrangement with Thurkle.

Before Gaunt’s involvement, the Thurkle family were established British sword makers and cutlers with roots going back to the 18th century. They specialized in high-quality officer’s swords and had a significant reputation among military sword collectors. The family business passed through generations and operated under Edward Thurkle and his sons by the late 19th century.

In 1897, J. R. Gaunt & Son acquired the business of Edward Thurkle & Sons. After this takeover, Gaunt continued to market swords under the style “J. R. Gaunt & Son Ltd, late Edward Thurkle”, effectively using Thurkle’s established name for a period as a mark of quality and heritage.

Research into antique swords shows that many blades marked with Thurkle proof stamps continued to be sold by Gaunt after 1897, though the original Thurkle business records were largely lost in a fire around 1912.

These swords appeal to collectors because they not only represent a lineage of British sword making spanning the 18th-20th Centuries but combine Thurkle's historic craft with Gaunt's broader military market presence.

When these swords come to the auction (secondary) market, they usually sell for between $400 and $600, though retailers of similar examples with scabbards are currently offering this sword from $500 and up, though some have noteworthy provenance that would influence the price.

I don't see a scabbard in these photos so assume it doesn't come with one and have valued it accordingly. If it DOES have one, please let me know so I can improve the value. Also, if the person who owned this is of historical significance, that would additionally and positively impact the value of this sword.

Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

An antique British officer's infantry sword
made by J.R. Gaunt & Son Ltd, serial number 12926
Nickel-plated steel hilt with wire-wrapped sharkskin handle. Rain guard (chappe) engraved with maker's name
(DIMENSIONS)
CONDITION: This appears to be in good condition; lacking scabbard
PROVENANCE: Inherited
$300-500*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.

Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia