An antique Hobson & Sons British Cavalry steel sword, made in London, early 20th Century
This sword which came to me from my grandfather’s household goods (born 1900, died 1981), appears to be stainless steel and was made by Hobson and Sons in London. It has the name “Lt-Colonel TJ Wynne SAP” engraved on the blade near the hilt. There are also the figures “9 9” on one edge of the blade near the hilt. The blade is 950mm long. The scabbard also appears to be steel or some other metal and has some surface rust. There is a leather strap near the top for fastening to an officer’s belt. There are several photos included here.
950mm blade
Inherited
Yes
Hi Chuck,
Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.
Hobson & Sons is a prestigious military and ceremonial tailor and outfitter that has operated in London since the mid-19th century. They are known for supplying British Army officers, Police and fire brigade uniforms, Military swords, accoutrements, and regalia, and Ceremonial items for the Crown and public institutions. The Lexington Street address in Soho, London was used by Hobson & Sons in the late 19th to early 20th century. If the sword is marked with this address, it likely dates to that Victorian or Edwardian period, possibly up through World War I.
The presence of that inscription on this sword indicates that it was a British officer’s dress sword, a ceremonial or presentation sword or possibly a Victorian-era or early 20th-century infantry, cavalry, or naval sword. Such swords were often purchased privately by officers and were part of their formal uniform.
Was your grandfather Lt-Colonel TJ Wynne? Does the SAP refer to the South African Police, or another company?
Most Hobson swords of this vintage and condition sell for between AUD$200-300 at auction; it's possible that it has more sentimental value to you and your family but that's the going rate for these swords when sold at auction.
Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:
An antique Hobson & Sons British Cavalry steel sword
made in London, early 20th Century
The sharkskin wrapped grip with rounded and pierced hilt and knuckle guard, with a fullered (chaneled) double edged blade with etching, engraved "Lt-Colonel TJ Wynne SAP" and "9 9", with the original steel scabbard with sash loops.
overall length of the sword is 1045mm with the blade itself 950mm.
CONDITION: Worn and with some oxidation and rustication.
PROVENANCE: Inherited
AUD $ 200-300
*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
You're all set, Chuck, thanks very much for using Mearto.
- Delia
Thank you Delia for your analysis!
As to your questions, I have no idea who the officer TJ Wynne is (my grandfather was a L C Davies), but SAP is typically an abbreviation for South African Police, at least in the last 50 years. I’m not sure if it meant something else in the era of the sword, which could have come from the Anglo Boer War at the turn of the 19/20 century or WWI.
My grandfather collected coins but may have come upon the sword somehow and decided to keep it.
Do you know of any place in Sydney Australia that may buy or auction swords, as that’s where I am?
Regards and many thanks - Charles
Hi Charles,
I'm afraid I don't know anyone personally but you might contact the Antique Arms Collector Society of Australia (https://antiquearmssociety.org.au/contact-us/) to see if they can connect you with someone knowledgeable in edged weapons in your area.
Best of luck!
Delia
Many thanks Delia, I’ll try that. Any idea what the “9 9” on the side of the blade near the hilt means? Other than that last question, I’ll let you get on with other appraisals.
Appreciate your help and thorough analysis.
Regards - Charles
I wonder if it's a unit and/or division mark? I think the folks at the AACSA might be able to answer that - as well as possibly identify who TJ Wynne...or connect you with someone who can find that out.
It's important to note that the more information you can find out about this will only help the value - if you unearth anything please let me know so I can see if a revised value is warranted.
Great, thanks again Delia.
Hi Delia, new photos are uploaded. The overall length of the sword is 1045mm with the blade itself 950mm.