As you know, President Trump has decided that all USA citizens must pay import taxes on any items bought from overseas. He has withdrawn the $800 pre-tax allowance on imports and has also cancelled the exemption for antiques.
The amount of import tax payable is dependent on the country of manufacture of the item, NOT where it was bought/imported from.
For example,
The tariff on UK made items is 10% of the total amount, including the shipping fee.
On items manufactured in mainland Europe, the tariff is 15%.
Some countries incur a much higher percentage.
President Trump has insisted that these fees be paid BEFORE the item is imported, or the parcel will be refused entry into the US.
This basically means that Bygone Blades has to collect the US import tax from you and submit it to the carrier, who in turn pay the US customs.
After you have made your purchase, you will receive a separate invoice for the new import tax specific to the item purchased. This will need to be paid before your purchase is shipped.
British Royal Garrison Artillery Sword. Baron Collingwood Seymour Underhill 1915. #2509006
This 1856 pattern Royal Artillery sword is something of an anomaly. The sword is of the type issued to Staff Sergeants and is stamped with an Enfield inspection stamp and the Government armoury proof mark. However, it is engraved with an inscription to 2nd Lieutenant Baron Collingwood Seymour Underhill of the Royal Garrison Artillery.
The 860mm single-edged blade has a flat spine and wide single fuller on both sides, tapering to a double-edged spear point. The blade is double-edged for the final 260mm and retains its fighting edge.
The blade is etched on one side with winged lightning bolts surmounted by the words, Royal Artillery. Foliate and floral scrollwork capped by a trefoil arch completes the etching. The obverse is etched with similar scrollwork surrounding a rayed crown and the royal coat of arms above the Flowers of the Union tied with a ribbon etched with “UBIQUE,” (everywhere) and a field gun above the motto, “Quo fas et gloria ducunt.” (Where right and glory lead).
The long, Staff Sergeants pattern ricasso is stamped with the makers mark of Sanderson Brothers and Newbould Ltd, of Sheffield, England (SB & NLd, in use from 1890). Above the maker’s mark are an Enfield armoury inspection/acceptance stamp and a government proof (bend test) mark. The obverse ricasso is blank.
A cartouche on the blade is engraved with the dedication, “B. C. S. Underhill. 2/1 S. M. War. RGA. 1915.” Baron Collingwood Seymour Underhill was commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant in the South Midland (Warwick) battalion of the Royal Garrison Artillery in 1915.
How a Staff Sergeant pattern sword came to be gifted/dedicated to a newly commissioned officer is worth researching. Even during WW1, it was expected that officers would purchase their own uniforms and equipment. It is possible that some swords were made for the War Department and then sold to new recruits in an attempt to streamline the equipping process, as most (if not all) sword & bayonet manufacturers were working under license to the government. The absence of a WD and Broad Arrow (government ownership) marks could support this. That being the case, I would expect to have seen more swords bearing similar markings. Something for the new owner to dig into…
The blade and etching are in excellent condition. The etching is clear and the blade retains its polish with only a few very minor and tiny spots of tarnish.
The 3-bar steel hilt is in in good condition. The grip is in good condition with use-related wear and fading. The twisted wire binding is intact. The blade is firm in the hilt.
The 1901 pattern brown leather covered scabbard in in good condition and remains strong with the stitching intact. The tip of the frog strap is absent and there are age and use related scuffs and marks. The sword sheaths and draws smoothly and is held firmly in the scabbard.
This is an excellent example of a named Royal Garrison Artillery officer’s sword, begging to be researched.
£495.00
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