A sword that belonged to the current Queen’s grandfather, King George V, while he was Prince of Wales has emerged from a private collection and is due to go up for auction today, 1 March, with an anticipated selling price of £8,000.
It is believed that the historic artefact was gifted by its owner to his close friend Lord Frederick Wolverton who was Edward VII’s Vice Chamberlain of the Household from 1902 to 1905.
Of the sword’s prominence Steven Bosley – partner at Bosleys, who will be auctioning the sword – said: ‘We believe the sword came from Lord Wolverton who was a great friend of Edward VII and George V. It is likely George V left the sword their one day or gave it to him as a present – exactly what happened we’ll never know.
‘The collector has had it for some time and cherished it but now they have decided to part with it. It is a standard sword. All kings and princes who have been in the forces always have had standard kit. It is only those little initials on it which tell us who it belonged too.
‘How many swords of kings do you come across? Generally swords of this ilk would be kept at Windsor Castle but because George V was in his youth when it was his – before he was King – this sword has come out.’
Engraved with a G beneath a crown just below the hilt the blade also carries an inscription by the makers who proclaim the sword a production of ‘J.Daniels & Co Artillery Place, Woolwich’ by special appointment to His Majesty The King. The sword is 37.5 inches in length and features a bullion sword knot and a straight blade bearing the Royal Arms and decoration of a crowned fouled anchor and oak leaf.
George V became a cadet in the Royal Navy in 1877, working his way up through the ranks before taking on a more ceremonial role following the death of his older brother, Prince Albert.
You would think that they would give the Queen a chance at owning her Grandfather’s sword.
Maybe the Queen will buy it herself.
Maybe it should be returned to the Royal Archieves