| Place | Asia: Borneo |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | REL/16480 |
| Collection type | Technology |
| Object type | Edged weapon or club |
| Place made | Germany |
| Date made | Unknown |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 First World War, 1914-1918 |
Dutch Army Officer's Sword and Scabbard
Description
Dutch Army Officer's sword and scabbard. The brass hilt is a P stirrup type with a lions head backstrap pommel and has plain langets. The grips are black bakelite bound with brass wire. The slightly curved blade has a single fuller on each side to within 260 mm from the double edge spear point. Originally the blade was etched with a floral design but this has been polished off and now shows signs of sharpening and rust pitting. The ricasso has the trade mark of a knights head. The chrome plated scabbard has a loose ring on a band 75 mm from the throat.
History / Summary
This sword was given to the donor at the end of the Second World War by a Dutch Officer who had hidden it from the Japanese during the occupation as a token of his appreciation for liberation. Mr Newport served as a Trooper with the 2/12 Independent Company in Borneo towards the end of the war. The sword is a German officer's pattern of the First World War and was possibly refurbished for use with the Dutch Army.