Welsh Sword.

" The "Welsh Knife" was designed in 1916 by the sculptor and armourer Felix Joubert and patented by him, as a "new or improved trench knife". It was allegedly based on an ancient Welsh weapon, although the existence of such a distinctly Welsh mediæval sword has since been disproved. An unknown, but limited, number of Welsh Knives were manufactured by the Wilkinson Sword Company, at the behest of Lord Howard de Walden. De Walden shared Joubert's interest in mediæval weapons and had the knives issued to the 9th Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, with whom he was serving as a Major.....a memorandum, dated 27 January 1920, which relates information on the knife states - "9th Batt'n. Royal Welsh Fusiliers. This battalion made use of a knife with which all machine gunners and bombers were always equipped. Every member of a raiding party was so armed and in one raid on the Messines Ridge two days before the battle of Messines they were used with conspicuous success. " -IWM.
This example purchased at a Shropshire farm sale, is one of those that is entirely unmarked, now missing its's cord binding, scabbard and lanyard. However, the folding circular hand card is present and operative, there is some light pitting to one side of the grip and ricasso, a legacy of it's last home with the blade stained, but generally clean. This example is entirely original and notoriously difficult to acquire in any condition.

Code: 8034