OSCAR WILDE’S BARRISTER CONNECTIONS**WW1 1916 British 1897 Pattern SJ Pillin London Infantry Officer’s Presentation Sword With King George V Guard & Etched Blade To Sub Commandant Sir Edward Clarke KC PC By Staines (Middlesex) Volunteer Training Corps Swords

**OSCAR WILDE’S BARRISTER CONNECTIONS**WW1 1916 British 1897 Pattern SJ Pillin London Infantry Officer’s Presentation Sword With King George V Guard & Etched Blade To Sub Commandant Sir Edward Clarke KC PC By Staines (Middlesex) Volunteer Training Corps. - 21541

Sir Edward George Clarke, Kings Counsel (KC) (15 February 1841 – 26 April 1931) was a British barrister and politician, considered one of the leading advocates of the late Victorian era and serving as Solicitor-General in the Conservative government of 1886–1892. His legal career included representing Oscar Wilde in his disastrous prosecution of the Marquess of Queensberry for libel, and representing the plaintiff in the "baccarat case", during which Sir Edward cross-examined the Prince of Wales. He was a member of the anti-women's suffrage movement. During WW1 he was Sub Commandant of Staines (Middlesex) Volunteer Training Corps (a Period pamphlet depicting the famous Sir Edward Clarke KC drilling in civilian clothing with the Staines volunteers in 1915 is illustrated in image 1). This is an original British 1897 pattern Infantry Officer's sword presented to Sir Edward Clarke by Staines (Middlesex) Volunteer Training Corps with scabbard and frog. The sword has a 33 ½” long blade with partial fullers and measures 39 ¾” overall. The blade has areas of staining consistent with age and use. The blade has foliate etched panels and Kings Crown above heraldic arms. The ricasso has the makers name SJ Pillin 31 Gerrrard St London & the correct engraved ordnance acceptance proof star and inlaid brass roundel & original leather hilt washer. One side of the blade has a crisply engraved presentation panel with wording "PRESENTED TO SUB COMMANDANT THE RIGHT HONOURABLE SIR EDWARD CLARKE PC KC BY SUBSCRIBERS TO AND MEMBERS OF THE STAINES VOLUNTEER TRAINING CORPS AS A MARK OF APPRECIATION OF PATRIOTIC SERVICES EFFICIENCY RENDERED SEPTEMBER 1916". The spine of the blade is numbered 108262. It has a full 1897 Pattern knuckle guard with Crown GR V device. It has a curved stepped pommel with ball top and knurled back strap for grip, fish skin grip with wire binding in very good condition. It is complete with leather covered wood field service scabbard. The scabbard has a German silver throat mount & is fitted with leather frog that has 2 belt loops and buckles. The price includes UK delivery. Sn 21541

£795.00